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Key Points

Amit Shah has supported the Mizoram government's proposal to form a Mizo Territorial Army. This move aims to provide employment while enhancing security against drug trafficking on the state's borders. Mizoram, a pivotal trade route with Myanmar and Bangladesh, faces significant challenges with smuggling activities. Shah’s endorsement signifies a crucial step towards maintaining peace and improving youth employment in the region.

Key Points: Amit Shah Supports Mizo Territorial Army to Fight Drug Trafficking

  • Amit Shah and Mizoram CM discuss Mizo Territorial Army
  • Strengthening border vigilance to curb drug trafficking
  • Mizoram praised as one of India's most peaceful states
3 min read

HM Amit Shah backs Mizoram govt's plan to raise Mizo Territorial Army to curb drug trafficking

Amit Shah backs Mizoram's plan for a Mizo Territorial Army to boost youth employment and tackle drug smuggling from Myanmar.

"A crucial initiative to provide employment for Mizo youths while contributing to national security. - Chief Minister Lalduhoma"

Aizawl, May 25

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has supported the Mizoram government’s proposal to establish a Mizo Territorial Army (MTA) battalion to deal with drug trafficking and other law and order-related issues, officials said on Sunday.

A senior official of the Mizoram government said that Chief Minister Lalduhoma, during his visit to New Delhi, discussed several issues with the Home Minister last week.

“The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Home Minister for supporting his proposal to establish a Mizo Territorial Army battalion, describing it as a crucial initiative to provide employment for Mizo youths while contributing to national security,” the official said.

He said that during the meeting, Shah expressed his deep appreciation for Mizoram, describing it as “one of the most peaceful states in India.”

Regarding the handover of Lengpui Airport to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Shah assured his commitment to intervene and expedite the process as needed.

They further reviewed the status of the Mizoram Maintenance of Household Registers Bill, 2019, which was passed by the Mizoram Legislative Assembly during the previous MNF (Mizo National Front) government and remains pending with the President of India, the official said.

He said that for quite a long time, the state government has been requesting the Centre to help the state to raise the MTA to deal with the smuggling of drugs and other contrabands being illegally imported from Myanmar.

“The state government has manpower shortages to deal with the narcotics trafficking from across the border. The state government earlier submitted proposals to the Ministry of Home Affairs about the raising of the MTA,” he said.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has recently proposed setting up its zonal office in Mizoram.

NCB Director General Anurag Garg recently met Mizoram Chief Minister and suggested setting up a full-fledged NCB zonal office in the state and emphasised the need for more staff and officials who are acquainted with the local language and the ground situation of the state.

Lalduhoma, a former IPS officer, during the meeting with Garg had discussed ways and means to curb the drug trade and usage of narcotics by the youth.

The Chief Minister had told the NCB DG that he had already requested the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to constitute or to allow the state government to form the MTA to further strengthen vigilance along the state's unfenced borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Mizoram shares a 510 km and 318 km border with Myanmar and Bangladesh, respectively, and these unfenced frontiers are hotspots for the smuggling of diverse drugs, including highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, foreign cigarettes, areca nuts, arms and ammunition, and exotic animals and their parts.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a much-needed step! Mizoram's borders are vulnerable and drug trafficking is destroying our youth. The MTA will create jobs while securing our nation. Kudos to Amit Shah ji for understanding the ground reality 🙏
P
Priya M.
Good initiative but hope the recruitment is transparent and merit-based. Northeast states often feel neglected - this could be a positive step towards better integration if handled properly. The NCB office should also prioritize local language speakers.
A
Arjun S.
Why only Mizoram? All border states need special forces to curb smuggling. Look at Punjab's drug problem! Central govt should have a comprehensive plan for all vulnerable borders. Myanmar-China drug cartels are ruining our entire region 😠
M
Meena L.
As someone from Assam, I've seen how drugs destroy families. Happy to see focus on Mizoram but request same attention for our borders too. The AAI taking over Lengpui Airport is also good - better infrastructure means better connectivity and development.
S
Sanjay T.
Hope this doesn't become another bureaucratic exercise. The MTA needs proper training, equipment and continuous funding. Our security forces are already overstretched - adding more without proper planning won't help. Action matters more than announcements!
N
Neha R.
Excellent move! Local youth know the terrain better than anyone. This will boost both employment and security. But please ensure women get equal opportunities in MTA recruitment - we can contribute equally to our nation's safety 💪

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