Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has urged the Central Government to grant a ‘Peace Bonus’ to the state, citing its sustained efforts in maintaining stability despite various challenges. During a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lalduhoma highlighted key concerns, including internet connectivity issues, the refugee crisis, and security-related challenges. The Chief Minister stressed that Mizoram’s poor internet infrastructure is a major hindrance, particularly in implementing the newly introduced criminal laws. He requested immediate intervention from the Ministry of Communication and IT to improve digital connectivity in the state.
Another pressing issue raised was the humanitarian burden Mizoram is facing. Lalduhoma stated that the state is sheltering approximately 41,000 displaced individuals from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur, straining its limited resources. He called for continued financial and logistical support from the Central Government to manage the growing needs of these refugees, including food, shelter, and education. On security concerns, the Chief Minister emphasized the necessity of strengthening border security. He advocated for the establishment of more immigration checkpoints along Mizoram’s extensive international borders and raised concerns about the state’s high police vacancies, lack of vehicles, and funding shortages affecting law enforcement.
Expressing his dissatisfaction over Mizoram’s exclusion from the Security-Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme, Lalduhoma argued that the state, being the most peaceful in the country, is at a disadvantage. He asserted that while states facing conflicts receive financial aid, Mizoram has not been rewarded for maintaining peace. “If Mizoram is denied SRE because of its peaceful status, then peace itself does not seem to have any benefits. I urge the Home Ministry to either extend SRE to Mizoram or provide a ‘Peace Bonus’ as a reward for maintaining harmony. This would set a positive example for other states, showing that peace is rewarded,” he stated.
