AIZAWL: The dissent against the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and abolish the Free Regime Movement (FMR) spilled out onto the streets of Mizoram on Thursday.
Thousands reportedly took to the streets to protest against the Centre’s moves, decrying it to be a potential danger for the ethnic ties shared between people on both sides of the border.
Organised by the Zo Re-Unification Organisation (Zoro), the rallies took place in Zokhawthar and Vaphai villages in Champhai district, which share borders with Myanmar.
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A national news agency reported that residents from the neighbouring country also joined the processions.
The demonstrations began in Vaphai at 7 am and concluded by 10 am, followed by another rally in Zokhawthar, home to the India-Myanmar Friendship Gate, which commenced at 11 am.
Zoro general secretary L. Ramdinliana Renthlei, told the press that thousands participated in Vaphai, while approximately 7,000 individuals joined the Zokhawthar rally.
Despite hundreds from Myanmar attempting to enter India for the protests, the Friendship Gate was closed by authorities to prevent any untoward incidents.
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Amidst slogan-raising across the Friendship Gate, protesters voiced their displeasure brandishing placards and banners highlighting their Zo ethnic identity and longstanding coexistence with Myanmar’s ethnic groups.
As a mark of solidarity, government offices and schools in both villages remained closed for the day, ensuring widespread participation in the rallies.
Senior police officials confirmed that the rallies were peaceful with no reports of any law-and-order situation.
Mizoram, sharing a 510-km-long border with Myanmar’s Chin state, has historical and ethnic ties with the Chin community.
Notably, on February 28, Mizoram became the first Northeastern state to pass a resolution opposing the border fencing and free movement regime withdrawal.
