Mizo group urges HM for separate admin in Manipur

Aizawl: An ethnic Mizo organisation, Zo Reunification Organisation (Zoro), on Saturday evening appealed to Union home minister Amit Shah to divide Manipur and establish a separate administration for ethnic Mizos residing in the hill areas of the conflict-ridden neighbouring state.
Established to unite ethnic Mizos across India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, the Zoro members met Shah at Aizawl Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum. The organisation urged the central govt to create a distinct administration for ‘Zofate' (ethnic Mizos), citing the perceived impossibility of coexistence between the majority Meitei community and ethnic Mizos following violence that erupted on March 3, 2023.
In a press release issued on Sunday, Zoro also called on Shah to reinstate the free movement regime (FMR), which was repealed by the Centre. Since Jan 1, border passes have been required for crossings between India and Myanmar. The organisation urged reconsideration of the FMR's removal for the benefit of indigenous people on both sides of the border.
Additionally, the Zoro appealed to Shah to halt plans to erect a fence along the India-Myanmar border, arguing that such a move would violate indigenous rights as recognised by the United Nations. "Fencing the border will create severe hardships for people living on both sides," the memorandum stated.