Aizawl: A preliminary survey will soon be conducted to assess the feasibility of 1,643-km-long fencing along the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram‘s Hnahthial district.
The survey for the border fencing will take place in Thingsai village in Hnahthial district, with participation from representatives of the offices of the district collector, the superintendent of police (SP), the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and the Assam Rifles, according to the Mizoram government.
The decision was taken during a coordination meeting chaired by the district deputy commissioner K Vanlalruati on Wednesday (July 16) to discuss the feasibility of the IMB fencing in the district.
The high-level meeting was attended by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Assam Rifles, and the superintendent of police.
The DC highlighted the necessity of carrying out a detailed survey to determine the length and terrain of the border before any physical fencing can be initiated. She said the survey would ensure proper groundwork and planning for the proposed fencing along the international boundary within Hnahthial district.
The Mizoram government noted that Hnahthial district, located in southeastern Mizoram, has an international entry-exit point at Thingsai.
The preliminary survey aims to assess the physical feasibility of the border fencing and gather public opinion from local residents.
Mizoram shares a 510 km-long boundary with Myanmar’s Chin state across six districts: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has imposed restrictions on the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the 14 entry-exit points along the international border.
Under the revised FMR, residents living within 10 km on either side of the border are required to obtain a border pass to visit each other. This pass, valid for a stay of up to seven days, is available to both Indian and Myanmarese citizens wishing to cross the border. Applicants must provide documentation confirming their residence within the 10-km territorial limit.
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These new restrictions, which took effect on December 31, are being enforced by state police, Assam Rifles, and health officials at designated entry and exit points, following guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.