March 10, 2025: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, in today’s Assembly session, expressed support for scrapping the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Mizoram-Myanmar border, citing escalating security concerns.
He acknowledged that while the FMR was initially intended to ease cross-border movement for ethnic communities, it has increasingly become a conduit for illegal activities, including drug and arms smuggling.
The Chief Minister pointed out that many residents in Mizoram share the concern, as the state has become a transit route for criminal networks. He highlighted that over 2,000 foreigners entered Mizoram between June and December 2024, with very few of them being genuine tourists, further complicating security and border monitoring efforts.
Lalduhoma also noted that the Union Government has already started suspending the FMR in other northeastern states bordering Myanmar, and Mizoram, with its 510 km porous border, has been witnessing a surge in displaced people and undocumented entries following Myanmar’s military coup in 2021.
While many of these individuals seek refuge, the unchecked movement has exacerbated law enforcement challenges in the state.
