Aizawl: Security will be tightened along the Indo-Myanmar border in south Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, Lawngtlai deputy commissioner Cheemala Siva Gopal Reddy said.
During a meeting with leaders of civil society organisations, including Lawngtlai-based Central Young Lai Association (CYLA) recently, Reddy said that he received information about individuals from Myanmar’s Rakhine state entering the district.
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He discussed the matter with the Assam Rifles and alerted the paramilitary force, which guards the Indo-Myanmar border, he said.
He assured that more comprehensive security arrangements would be implemented along the border.
Reddy stated that police patrols along the border areas would be increased.
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Meanwhile, CYLA has claimed that some Arakan Army militants from Myanmar’s Rakhine state entered Lawngtlai town with arms recently.
Reddy said that many refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh are taking shelter in the Lawngtlai district, which shares a border with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
He said that the district administration and civil societies have been providing humanitarian assistance and relief to the refugees.
He, however, said that a cautious approach should be taken while dealing with the refugees and the security and safety of local residents should be prioritised.
Addressing the embargo enforced by the CYLA, which restricts the transportation of fuel to Myanmar, the Deputy Commissioner called for the free flow of essential commodities and trading.
Reddy also said that he received information about some individuals collecting fees from vehicles.
He urged the CYLA leaders to find out those involved in such illegal activities and to take necessary actions.
CYLA leaders explained that restrictions on fuel transport were intended to curb illegal trading activities, not to create problems for the locals.
Volunteers also inspect other commodities to ensure that illegal items are not transported, the leaders added.
They urged the DC to monitor petrol and diesel stocks closely and track the movement of people from Myanmar’s Rakhine state within the district.
They also requested the Deputy Commissioner to require valid identity cards from individuals operating hotels and restaurants in the district.
The CYLA submitted a representation to the Deputy Commissioner, asking him not to deport refugees from Bangladesh and to establish additional security checkposts and temporary beat posts in remote border villages.