Guwahati: The Meitei Heritage Society (MHS) strongly condemns Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s recent opposition to the fencing of the India-Myanmar border. Lalduhoma’s reported statement, deeming the border fencing as “unacceptable,” raises serious concerns about its potential impact on India’s internal and national security.
In a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, Lalduhoma justified his stance by claiming that border fencing contradicts the aspirations of Mizos to form a separate nation under one administration. This stance directly aligns with the objectives of Chin-Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, advocating for the creation of an independent country, Zalengam, Kukiland, or Zoland, by disintegrating parts of India’s Northeast, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
The Meitei Heritage Society highlights the inherent risks associated with an unfenced border and the Free Movement Regime (FMR). This porous boundary contributes to the influx of illegal immigrants, drug traffickers, and insurgent groups from Myanmar into India. Such activities have been identified as root causes for the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
The urgency to address these challenges is emphasized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which reported 53,500 Myanmarese migrants entering Bharat between February 2021 and May 2023. The Manipur government committee, led by Tribal Affairs and Hill Development Minister Letpao Haokip, uncovered that these refugees established their own villages, avoiding government-built shelter homes.
Instances of fraudulent acquisition of Indian identity documents by immigrants, leading to the exploitation of affirmative action policies like the Scheduled Tribes (ST) privileges, further underscore the need for immediate action. Border fencing emerges as a crucial step in curbing such fraudulent activities and protecting the integrity of India’s citizenship policies.
The Meitei Heritage Society calls upon Lalduhoma to reconsider his statements, recognizing the potential threat they pose to India’s territorial integrity and national security. Cooperation with the central government to ensure the successful completion of the border-fencing project is urged.
In conclusion, the MHS urges all leaders and citizens to prioritize national security and refrain from making statements that undermine the unity and integrity of Bharat. A collective commitment to these principles is essential in safeguarding the nation against external threats and internal conflicts.
