Aizawl: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Tuesday underscored the importance of close coordination among Assam Rifles, state police, district administration, and local bodies to ensure both security and welfare of border residents in Mizoram.
A Mizoram government official stated that the visiting Minister stressed enhanced cooperation between Assam Rifles, state police, district authorities, and Village Councils to strengthen security, promote development, and improve the welfare of people living in border villages.
The Union Minister held a high-level interaction with district officials of Siaha district via video conference from the MINECO Secretariat Conference Hall in Aizawl. Siaha District Deputy Commissioner V.L. Hruaizela Khiangte, along with heads of offices and officials from the Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC), joined the meeting from the DC’s Mini Conference Hall in Siaha.
Khiangte provided a brief introduction and overview of the district. The Superintendent of Police of Siaha district highlighted the peaceful law and order situation, emphasising that strict vigilance is being maintained against illegal cross-border activities, including drug and arms trafficking, under the broader framework of national security.
Departmental officials from the district apprised the Union Minister of ongoing schemes, their achievements, and the challenges encountered in implementation. A wide range of issues, including cross-border concerns, international trade, security challenges, education, and healthcare, were discussed in detail, along with strategies to address and mitigate these concerns.
The Union Minister was originally scheduled to visit the Siaha district headquarters, but had to make alternative arrangements due to inclement weather. He was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mizoram’s geographical location contributes to its vulnerability, as it shares a 510-km-long unfenced international border with Myanmar and a 318-km-long porous and mountainous border with Bangladesh.
These conditions make the state particularly susceptible to cross-border smuggling of narcotics and other illegal goods.
Various contraband items, including drugs, exotic animals, foreign-made cigarettes, and Myanmar areca nuts (betel nuts), are frequently smuggled through six districts of Mizoram — Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip, posing significant challenges to law enforcement agencies.
(IANS)
