Aizawl: A consultation meeting on the issues of illegal immigrants and unregulated trading in Lawngtlai district was held at the deputy commissioner’s conference hall in Lawngtlai town bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh on Monday. The meeting was chaired by the district deputy commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga.While welcoming the participants, the deputy commissioner said the increasing influx of illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries and unregulated trading activities in the district have become matters of serious concern. He informed the meeting that the state home department has also been issued instructions to take necessary steps in this regard.
He emphasised that addressing these issues requires not only administrative action but also coordinated efforts involving civil societies, village councils, law enforcement agencies and security forces, as the matter may have long-term implications for the district and the state. While acknowledging humanitarian considerations, he cautioned that failure to take timely action could lead to greater difficulties in the future.During the consultation, it was proposed to hold an inter-district joint meeting and to conduct surprise checks targeting undocumented illegal immigrants. To streamline enforcement measures, it was decided to constitute a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Drafting Committee under the chairmanship of the additional deputy commissioner, Lawngtlai, with the objective of finalising the SOP by mid-Feb. Regarding trading and marketing issues, the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) authorities were urged to extend full cooperation to ensure formulation of a comprehensive and effective SOP.The meeting was attended by representatives from the Police Department, Assam Rifles, Revenue Department, LADC, District Council Transport Officer, LADC, Central Young Lai Association, Mizoram Journalist Association Lawngtlai district, Village Council Association, 3rd India Reserve Battalion, Lai Women Association (LWA) and other major civil societies.
