In a significant development during the recent budget session of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, legislators from both the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and opposition parties expressed serious concerns over the inadequate security along the state’s international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. The lawmakers highlighted the increasing threats posed by illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and the lack of sufficient law enforcement presence along these porous boundaries.

Rising Concerns Over Border Security

Mizoram, sharing a 722-kilometer international border—318 km with Myanmar and 404 km with Bangladesh—faces a range of security challenges. Several MLAs from constituencies bordering these countries spoke extensively about the poor deployment of law enforcement personnel, which has left large stretches of the frontier vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities.

Among the key concerns raised was the increasing infiltration of undocumented immigrants, particularly from Myanmar, where political instability has forced thousands to flee into India. In addition, illegal drug trade and smuggling activities have surged due to a lack of surveillance along the borders.

Lawmaker’s Testimonies on Ground Realities

Challenges in Bangladesh Border Areas

One of the most concerning testimonies came from Prova Chakma, an MLA representing the West Tuipui constituency, which shares a border with Bangladesh. She highlighted the dire shortage of law enforcement officers in her constituency, pointing out that the Tlabung police station—responsible for patrolling a significant section of the border—operates with just seven personnel.

The lack of an adequate police presence in such critical areas has led to frequent instances of illegal cross-border movement, smuggling, and other security threats. Chakma urged the government to take immediate action to strengthen the security apparatus in these regions.

Security Issues Along the Myanmar Border

C. Ngunlianchunga, an MLA from Lawngtlai West, raised serious concerns about the security of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP). This ambitious ₹2,904.04-crore initiative is expected to enhance connectivity between India’s northeastern states and Myanmar’s Sittwe port, passing through Paletwa and into Mizoram. However, despite the strategic significance of this project, Ngunlianchunga revealed that the transit point at the Indo-Myanmar border village Zochachhuah lacks any police deployment.

Furthermore, other strategically important villages along the KMMTTP route, such as Bungtlang South, Vaseikai, and Parva, are also inadequately policed. The MLA stressed that without proper law enforcement, these areas are at risk of becoming hotspots for smuggling, illegal migration, and insurgent activities.

Over-Reliance on BSF and Lack of State Police Deployment

Lalmuanpuia Punte, an MLA from the ruling Zoram People’s Movement, voiced his concern over Mizoram’s over-reliance on Border Security Force (BSF) personnel for border surveillance. He argued that while the BSF is tasked with patrolling the Bangladesh border, the absence of local police presence in southern and western Mizoram is alarming.

He called for a more balanced approach, urging the state government to strengthen its local police forces rather than depending solely on central paramilitary units. His remarks underscored the growing realization that border security cannot be managed effectively without a robust and well-equipped state police force.

The Escalating Drug Trafficking Crisis

One of the most alarming revelations in the assembly was the surge in narcotics smuggling due to the lack of stringent border security. In 2023, Mizoram police seized 154.172 kg of methamphetamine, but in 2024, this number surged to 627.741 kg, marking an alarming increase. Similarly, heroin seizures rose from 68.055 kg in 2023 to 80.814 kg in 2024.

Additionally, contraband goods such as illegal areca nuts and Chinese-made cigarettes are being smuggled in large quantities, further highlighting the severity of the issue. Lawmakers warned that if left unchecked, the situation could lead to Mizoram becoming a major transit hub for narcotics and other illegal goods.

State Government’s Response

In response to the growing concerns raised by MLAs, Home Minister K. Sapdanga acknowledged the severe shortage of police personnel across the state. He revealed that the Home Department has over 4,400 vacant posts, severely impacting the government’s ability to maintain law and order.

To address this crisis, he announced that the state government plans to recruit 200 new personnel in the near future. However, opposition MLAs questioned whether this number would be sufficient to counter the increasing security threats in Mizoram’s border districts.

Additionally, the home minister assured the assembly that the government is working on strengthening security in key strategic towns and villages, particularly those affected by cross-border crimes. Plans are also underway to upgrade infrastructure for law enforcement, improve patrolling efficiency, and enhance coordination between state and central security forces.

Call for Stronger Measures

While the government’s response has provided some reassurance, legislators and security experts argue that much more needs to be done. Some of the suggested measures include:

1. Increasing police recruitment and training: Filling the 4,400 vacant posts and ensuring that law enforcement officers are adequately trained to handle border security challenges.
2. Deploying state police in critical border areas: Rather than relying solely on BSF and Assam Rifles, the Mizoram government needs to strengthen its local police presence, particularly in remote and vulnerable villages.
3. Enhancing surveillance and technology use: The introduction of drones, CCTV cameras, and thermal imaging devices could significantly improve border monitoring capabilities.
4. Strengthening anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics efforts: With drug seizures increasing, it is crucial to enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies and intelligence networks to disrupt trafficking operations.
5. Improving infrastructure in border areas: The state government must invest in better roads, police stations, and border outposts to improve accessibility and security.

The concerns raised in the Mizoram Legislative Assembly reflect a critical security crisis facing the state. With rising illegal immigration, increasing drug trafficking, and poorly manned international borders, urgent action is needed to address these challenges before they escalate further.

While the government’s commitment to hiring more personnel and strengthening security measures is a positive step, long-term strategies must be implemented to ensure that Mizoram’s international borders remain secure. As lawmakers and security experts continue to push for stronger measures, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the state can effectively combat the challenges posed by its porous frontiers.

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