Mizoram CM slams historical India-Myanmar border demarcation, calls it British ploy to divide people

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma Friday criticised the demarcation of the India-Myanmar border, which he said was “drawn without the consent of the people by the British colonialists.”

Speaking at the commemoration of the 25th district anniversary of Champhai, located at the Mizoram-Myanmar border, Lalduhoma said, “The British colonialists, motivated solely by administrative convenience, imposed boundaries without any regard for the sentiments of the populace, employing the divisive ‘Divide and Rule’ policy. Such imposed borders cannot be accepted.”

Champhai, an important town in eastern Mizoram, witnessed its elevation to district status in April 1997 – a significant milestone in its historical trajectory.

Expressing opposition to the central government’s border fencing initiative, the CM said, “I have submitted our representation regarding the border fencing and lifting of the Free Movement Regime to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who incidentally was my batchmate in the Indian civil service.”

Lalduhoma advocated for the consolidation of Mizo-inhabited areas in India and Myanmar’s Chin Hills under one administrative entity, emphasising their shared history predating British intervention.

CM Lalduhoma inaugurates photo exhibition at Champhai, Mizoram | By special arrangement
“Our ultimate desire is for Mizos in India and Myanmar’s Chin Hills to be placed under one administrative unit, as we were one country before the British intervention,” he said.

Lalduhoma praised the people of Champhai for being the first district to welcome refugees in Myanmar who are kin to the Mizos, and being the district to host the largest number of them.

“It is our responsibility to provide food and shelter to our brethren. They are expected to stay with us until it is safe for them to return to their country. Simultaneously, we must safeguard the peaceful environment of Mizoram,” the CM emphasised.

He also appealed to the refugees taking shelter in the state to respect and obey the laws, rules and ways of life of the people of Mizoram to ensure their peaceful stay in the state.

“Mizoram remains peaceful because the people living here give utmost importance to the preservation of peace by following sets of lifestyles in living together,” he said.

Notably, both Lalduhoma and former chief minister Zoramthanga come from Champhai district and share an alma mater, Gandhi Memorial High School.