On Tuesday, the Zo-Reunification Organisation (ZORO), a prominent group advocating for the unity of Zo ethnic tribes, staged a large-scale protest in response to the Mizoram state government's implementation of the Central government's decision to abolish the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and introduce a new border pass system. The protest, which included symbolic actions such as burning copies of the government order, took place in the state capital, Aizawl, as well as in other district headquarters including Champhai, Lunglei, Kolasib, Serchhip, and the towns of Mimbung and Vaphai. Similar protests were also held in the Tengnoupal and Chandel districts of Manipur.

The Free Movement Regime (FMR), a longstanding agreement between India and Myanmar, allowed residents along the 1,643-km Indo-Myanmar border to travel up to 16 km into each other's territory without the need for visas. This policy facilitated cross-border cultural exchanges, trade, and familial connections among the Zo ethnic tribes. However, it has now been replaced by a stricter border pass system that requires residents within 10 km of the border on both sides to apply for official passes, severely restricting mobility. In addition, the Indian government has proposed border fencing, a move that has faced strong opposition from the people of Mizoram.

ZORO expressed strong discontent over these changes. Vice President Rohmingthanga Kawlni stated, “ZORO is saddened and disappointed by the Central government’s decision to cancel the freedom of communication with our brothers and sisters from the other side of the border. We also criticise the Mizoram state government for supporting the Centre’s decision by issuing the order to scrap the FMR.” The protest event also saw participation from key political figures across party lines.

In response, ZORO has vowed to collaborate with the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), a powerful student organisation, to raise the issue with the Centre. The groups plan to demand the reinstatement of the FMR and a halt to the border fencing project, arguing that such measures undermine the historical and cultural ties shared by the Zo tribes on both sides of the border.

In addition to opposing the removal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), ZORO has raised concerns over the alleged forced repatriation of 28 Bangladeshi refugees by the Mizoram government and the Assam Rifles. Reports indicate that these individuals, who had sought shelter in Mizoram, were sent back under disputed circumstances. The organisation has strongly condemned these actions, emphasising Mizoram’s history of offering refuge to persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries.

The abolition of the FMR and the push for border fencing are part of the Indian government’s broader strategy to strengthen border security in response to concerns over illegal migration, insurgency, and smuggling. However, for the Zo people, who maintain deep historical and familial ties across the Indo-Myanmar border, these changes represent a profound disruption to their way of life.

The growing opposition in Mizoram suggests that this issue could evolve into a significant flashpoint between the state and the Central government in the months ahead.