AIZAWL: Amidst growing discontent over the Centre’s decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and fence the 510-km unfenced border between Mizoram and Myanmar, tensions escalated as the Myanmar Army reportedly blew up a crucial bridge connecting Mizoram to Tahan town in Myanmar.
The suspension bridge over the Run River in Teddim township area was destroyed using explosives on Saturday, severing the main road link between Mizoram and Myanmar’s Sagaing division.
This action dealt a severe blow to border trade between Mizoram and Myanmar’s Sagaing division, disrupting the flow of goods and commerce.
Border trade has been primarily facilitated through the Zokhawthar border trade centre in eastern Mizoram’s Champhai district.
The recent incident adds to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Mizoram, as last month witnessed an influx of 1,430 Myanmarese nationals seeking refuge in the state.
Renewed clashes between the Myanmar Army and pro-democratic forces have escalated tensions, leading to a significant increase in the number of refugees entering Mizoram.
Since February 2021, the total number of refugees in Mizoram has risen to approximately 36,000, with around 149 relief camps established across seven districts of the state.
Most of these refugees belong to the Chin communities, sharing ethnic, cultural, and traditional ties with the Mizos.
The situation underscores the vulnerability of Mizoram’s border regions and the interconnectedness between communities on both sides.
Earlier protests in May against the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and abolish the FMR highlighted concerns about potential disruptions to ethnic ties and cross-border interactions.
It’s worth noting that on February 28, Mizoram became the first Northeastern state to pass a resolution opposing the border fencing and withdrawal of the FMR, reflecting the deep-seated apprehensions among the local populace regarding the implications of these measures on regional stability.
