Mizoram student body opposes border fencing, submit memorandum to PM Modi

The apex student body of Mizoram, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi while strongly opposing the centre's decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and border fencing at the Indo-Myanmar border. 

The student body submitted their memorandum through the Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati. They also sent copies to the Vice President of India, the Union Home Minister, and the Union Home Secretary as well.

In their letter, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl expressed their deep concern and opposition to the Government of India's decision on the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, which they said would divide the Zo people living in India and Myanmar.

They also mentioned that "the Zo people have been divided by administrative divisions since the colonial period and by international boundaries in the post-colonial era. Despite these divisions, we do not feel separated due to the Free Movement Regime instituted by the Government of India. It enables us to participate in each other's funeral rites, marriage ceremonies, pay visits to patients at home, join in religious meetings, and engage in local-level sports tournaments. The recent decision to terminate this regime is now taking away these essential aspects and depriving us of our rights as human beings, much like other communities around the world."

They further stated that they are really shocked by the Government of India's decision as a world power and signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007 (UNDRIP), which addresses the problems of indigenous peoples, including those divided by international boundaries, like Zo people. 

It was also stated that Article 36 of the declaration asserts the right of indigenous peoples, divided by international borders, to maintain and develop contacts, relations, and cooperation across borders for spiritual, cultural, political, economic, and social purposes—with their own members as well as with other peoples across borders.

The MZP urges the Indian government to reconsider its decision. They also emphasize the need to explore alternative measures for addressing concerns such as drug trafficking and smuggling without resorting to actions that divide our indigenous communities.

Leaders of the student body said that they will have a meeting regarding the issue tomorrow, and that they are ready to take further action in this matter.