Aizawl: The Mizoram government has launched recruitment for the first batch of the Mizo Territorial Army (MTA), a new battalion aimed at combating drug trafficking, cross-border smuggling and other law and order challenges, officials said on Monday.
Seventy male candidates will be selected in the initial phase, undergo nine months of training at the Assam Regimental Centre in Shillong, and be deployed across Mizoram, particularly along its borders.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the state’s proposal to raise the force, which will operate in coordination with security agencies to strengthen vigilance.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma had discussed the plan with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a visit to New Delhi, describing the MTA as a dual initiative to create jobs for Mizo youth and bolster national security.
The state has long sought central support to address manpower shortages in tackling narcotics trafficking and contraband smuggling from neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh.
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The move comes as the Narcotics Control Bureau considers opening a full-fledged zonal office in Mizoram.
NCB Director General Anurag Garg, in a recent meeting with the chief minister, stressed the need for personnel familiar with local languages and conditions to curb drug trade and abuse.
Mizoram’s unfenced 510-km border with Myanmar and 318-km border with Bangladesh remain active routes for trafficking methamphetamine tablets, foreign cigarettes, areca nuts, arms, ammunition, and wildlife products.
Authorities hope the MTA will provide a stronger frontline presence in these vulnerable areas.
