The Zo Re-Unification Organization (ZORO), a Chin-Kuki-Mizo group based in Mizoram, announced plans to stage demonstrations across Aizawl and other parts of the state on January 29. The protests aim to oppose the alleged scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and the introduction of a border pass system along the Indo-Myanmar border. ZORO General Secretary L. Ramdinliana Renthlei stated that the organization, representing ethnic Zo or Mizo tribes in India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, convened a meeting chaired by its president, R. Sangkawia. Key issues discussed included the alleged end of the FMR, fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, and the deportation of Bangladeshi refugees from Mizoram.
“The meeting resolved to stage demonstrations in response to these developments,” Renthlei said. ZORO criticized the Centre’s recent decision to replace the FMR with a system requiring residents within 10 km of the border to obtain passes for cross-border movement. Sangkawia alleged the Ministry of Home Affairs implemented the changes on January 1, 2025, curtailing the visa-free movement previously allowed under the FMR.
The organization also condemned the Assam Rifles for deporting 11 of 28 Zo ethnic individuals who entered Mizoram from Bangladesh seeking refuge earlier this month. ZORO called on the state government to ensure protection for all Zo ethnic people fleeing persecution.
