Daijiworld Media Network- Aizawl
Aizawl, May 25: In a move aimed at strengthening border vigilance and countering the growing menace of drug trafficking along the Indo-Myanmar border, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and proposed the formation of a Mizo Territorial Army (MTA), state officials confirmed on Saturday.
During the high-level meeting, CM Lalduhoma, a former IPS officer himself, highlighted the challenges posed by manpower shortages and the unabated smuggling of narcotics and contrabands across Mizoram’s porous and unfenced borders with Myanmar (510 km) and Bangladesh (318 km).
Officials revealed that the state government has been urging the Centre for a considerable time to authorize the formation of the MTA, a dedicated force that could work in tandem with existing security agencies to curb illicit trafficking of drugs, arms, and wildlife.
"The Mizo Territorial Army is a crucial step in tightening border control, especially across the vulnerable stretches of Champhai and Siaha. The situation calls for a force familiar with local terrain, language, and community engagement," said a senior Mizoram official familiar with the proposal.
Mizoram’s six districts — Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip — have emerged as key smuggling corridors, primarily from Myanmar’s Chin State, infamous for its illicit drug trade. Methamphetamine tablets, foreign cigarettes, arms, exotic animals, and areca nuts are frequently trafficked through the hilly terrain of Champhai district, which has become the epicentre of the contraband influx.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Director General Anurag Garg recently met CM Lalduhoma in Aizawl and proposed setting up a full-fledged zonal office in Mizoram. The DG also emphasized the urgent need for local staff proficient in the Mizo language and terrain dynamics.
"To effectively dismantle trafficking networks, the NCB needs on-ground intelligence and cultural understanding, which local personnel can provide," said Garg during his visit.
Other Key Issues Discussed
In addition to the MTA proposal, CM Lalduhoma also discussed with Home Minister Shah various developmental and administrative issues, including:
• The state’s flagship Bana Kaih Scheme (Hand-holding livelihood initiative).
• Urgent upgrades to Lengpui Airport, Mizoram’s primary air gateway.
• Compensation and valuation of depreciated government buildings situated on Assam Rifles’ previously held land in Aizawl.
The meeting comes just two months after the symbolic handover of Assam Rifles land in Aizawl to the Mizoram government on March 15 in the presence of both Shah and Lalduhoma. The Assam Rifles establishments have since been relocated to Zokhawsang, 15 km from the state capital — ending a decades-long dispute.
This development stems from an incident in 1988, when the then MNF government, under former CM Laldenga, began pressing for relocation after an alleged civilian casualty involving the Assam Rifles. The Union Home Ministry eventually issued relocation orders in February 2019, which have now been fully implemented.
With its unfenced and rugged terrain, Mizoram remains one of India’s most vulnerable states in the fight against transnational crime. The Mizo Territorial Army, if approved, could serve as a game-changer in regional security, bolstering efforts to protect not only Mizoram but also national interests from foreign-funded narcotic and arms syndicates.
As the Centre reviews the proposal, Mizoram awaits a decision that could potentially rewrite its border security narrative.