AIZAWL: In 2024, the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government in Mizoram made notable strides with its reform agenda, passing an impressive 46 bills within its first year, and strongly opposing the central government’s decision to fence the Myanmar border and end the free movement regime.
Amid these efforts, Mizoram also faced challenges from ethnic violence in neighbouring Manipur and a continued influx of refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur.
Upon taking office in December 2023, Chief Minister Lalduhoma adopted a firm stance on the persistent issue of government employees hiring proxies.
By June, over 3,600 such employees were identified and ordered to report to their designated posts, with clear warnings of disciplinary action for non-compliance.
Additionally, the government began reviewing the performance of civil servants, leading to mixed reactions within the public sector.
Lalduhoma proudly pointed to his administration’s accomplishments, including the passage of 46 new laws aimed at enhancing governance and reforming various sectors.
However, the government’s opposition to the Centre’s plans to fence the India-Myanmar border and revoke the free movement regime became a major point of contention.
ALSO READ: 118 villages in Mizoram await all-weather roads, Governor urges Central intervention
In February, the Mizoram assembly passed a resolution against these decisions, and in May, thousands protested along the Mizoram-Myanmar border, expressing their opposition to the border fencing.
Tensions with neighboring Manipur also escalated, as ZPM leaders, including Lalduhoma and Rajya Sabha member K Vanlalvena, called for President’s rule in Manipur to address the ongoing violence.
Their remarks were met with criticism from Manipur’s government, with both leaders suggesting that separate administrative units be created for the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities to help resolve the conflict.
The situation further deteriorated after two violent incidents in November: the alleged rape and murder of a Mizo woman in Zairawn village, and the killing of 10 Hmar-Mizo individuals by security forces in Jakuradhor, who were reportedly mistaken for militants.
These events led to widespread condemnation from Mizoram’s political parties.
The state’s ongoing border dispute with Assam remained unresolved, although progress was made during a series of talks in August.
Both states agreed to maintain peace along their border and promote cooperation through joint cultural and sports festivals.
ALSO READ: Mizoram Agriculture Minister inaugurates aeroponic potato seed production facility in Kolasib
Mizoram also continued to host a significant number of refugees—42,000 people from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur—due to ongoing conflicts in their home countries.
In January, over 500 Myanmar soldiers who had fled to Mizoram were repatriated.
In terms of electoral outcomes, the ZPM secured Mizoram’s lone Lok Sabha seat in June but suffered a setback in the November Sinlung Hills Council (SHC) elections, losing to the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF).
This loss followed their victory in the 2023 state assembly elections, where the ZPM had secured 27 out of 40 seats.
Mizoram also endured severe natural disasters in 2024, with extensive damage caused by the monsoon season.
Over 3,000 properties, including churches and schools, were destroyed, and at least 34 lives were lost due to landslides triggered by Cyclone Remal in May.
