Locals in Mizoram are in a state of panic as the gate manned by Indian security forces at the Mizoram-Myanmar border remained closed even after the conclusion of voting for the Mizoram parliamentary seat on April 21 evening. The closure was attributed to an "order" from higher authorities.
Situated on a bridge over the Tiau River in Mizoram's Champai district, the sealed gate stirred concern among residents on both sides of the border, who speculated it to be linked to the Narendra Modi government's recent decision to revoke the free movement regime (FMR) with Myanmar.
Under the FMR agreement, residents on both sides of the international border, many of whom share kinship, are permitted to cross over within a 16-kilometer distance.
Although Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the revocation of the FMR understanding with Myanmar in February, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh clarified in the winter session of the assembly held in March that the FMR had not been officially scrapped yet.
Reports from Aizawl revealed that Champai District Commissioner James Lalrinchhana, upon receiving pleas from local residents on April 21 evening, reached out to the Assam Rifles regarding the continued closure of the border gate.
According to Lalrinchhana, the gate, colloquially known as the Friendship Gate, was shut on April 17, 72 hours before the April 21 voting, to prevent any disruption by unwanted elements during the elections.
The plan was to reopen the gate after voting concluded at 5 pm on April 21. However, the Assam Rifles guards refused to open the border, citing orders from higher authorities.
Upon further inquiry by the Champai DC, an order was eventually issued to reopen the gate on April 22. However, what heightened concerns among locals was the Assam Rifles' summoning of residents from both sides of the border for an "important meeting" on April 20.
During this meeting, the Assam Rifles conveyed that movement across the gate would be suspended due to the purported suspension of the FMR.
In response to requests from locals, the Assam Rifles later stated that the gate would remain open until April 30 only for the movement of persons requiring medical attention, essential food items, and medicines.
From May 1 onwards, the border would be sealed again to prevent any cross-border activity, according to an official statement issued by the Assam Rifles.
The prolonged closure of the border gate and the uncertainty surrounding the FMR suspension have left locals anxious about the future of cross-border interactions and the impact on their daily lives.
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