Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday to discuss the state’s pressing challenges, including the need for a “peace bonus” to address ongoing security and welfare concerns. Despite Mizoram being one of the most peaceful states in India, it is denied Security-Related Expenditure (SRE), which other states receive for handling security-related issues.
Lalduhoma emphasized the state’s need for continued central support, particularly in managing the welfare of approximately 41,000 displaced individuals from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur. These displaced people are in urgent need of food, shelter, and education, placing a significant strain on Mizoram’s limited resources.
“The main challenge in implementing the new criminal laws in Mizoram is poor internet connectivity. The Ministry of Communication and IT must introduce a scheme to resolve this issue immediately,” said Lalduhoma, highlighting the difficulties in law enforcement due to the lack of adequate infrastructure.
The Chief Minister also urged the Home Ministry to consider providing a “peace bonus” to Mizoram, given its status as the most peaceful state in the country. He pointed out that other states receive SRE for handling security issues, but Mizoram, due to its peaceful nature, has been denied this support. He suggested that a “peace bonus” would not only provide necessary financial aid but also set a positive example for other states to prioritize peace.
“We have around 41,000 displaced people from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur. Providing them with food, shelter, and education is a major strain on our limited resources. We need continuous support from the Centre,” Lalduhoma said. He also requested more immigration checkpoints along the state’s long international border to improve security and manage the situation effectively.
In addition to these concerns, Lalduhoma discussed the shortages in law enforcement resources, such as police department vacancies, insufficient vehicles, and lack of funding, which are affecting overall performance and the successful implementation of new criminal laws.
The meeting with Amit Shah underscored the challenges faced by Mizoram and the state’s need for further central support to address these critical issues effectively.