Songpi/Aizawl: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Mizoram on October 5, officials said. The visit is being seen as significant in view of the prevailing political and security situation in the state and the broader Northeast region. Shah, who is on a tour of Northeastern states, is expected to review developmental works, law and order and other central government initiatives being implemented in Mizoram. According to officials in the state government, all necessary preparations have been initiated for the high-profile visit and coordination meetings have been held between the state administration, police and central agencies. The Home Minister’s visit comes at a time when the central government is focusing on infrastructure, border management and peace initiatives in the Northeast.
As per the official itinerary shared by officials, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive at Lengpui Airport, which serves as the lone airport for Mizoram and is the main gateway for VVIP movements into the state. After his arrival at Lengpui, he will not travel by road but will travel by helicopter to Thuampui helipad in Aizawl to avoid traffic and security complications on the hilly highway stretch. From Thuampui helipad, he will proceed to the Youth Recreation Centre at Falkland Veng, where the main programme is scheduled to be held. The programme at Falkland Centre is expected to be attended by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, senior ministers of the Mizoram government, top bureaucrats, police officials and party leaders. Officials said the detailed agenda of the meeting at Falkland is still being finalized and a formal briefing will be issued soon.
In view of the Home Minister’s movement, Aizawl Deputy Commissioner Lalhriatpuia has issued a strict public order for traffic regulation and security. The order states that there will be no parking of any vehicles along the entire stretch between Lengpui and Falkland during the visit hours. The administration has also ordered temporary closure of all petrol pumps located on the route during the VVIP movement to ensure uninterrupted security corridor. The Deputy Commissioner has warned that violators of the order will face legal action as per relevant provisions of law. The administration has appealed to the general public to cooperate with the police and district administration and to avoid unnecessary movement on the designated route. The district administration has also directed all commercial establishments along the route to follow security instructions issued by the police.
Security has been tightened across Aizawl city and particularly around Lengpui Airport, Thuampui helipad and Falkland Veng. Officials said additional forces from Mizoram Police, Central Armed Police Forces and intelligence agencies have been deployed at strategic locations. Frisking and checking of vehicles has been intensified at entry points to Aizawl, and surveillance has been increased through CCTV and drone monitoring. Bomb disposal and dog squads have been pressed into service to sanitize the venues. Senior police officers have been conducting inspection of the venues for the past two days. The police have also set up temporary checkpoints and barricades in and around Falkland. Sources said the Centre has also sent an advance security liaison team to coordinate with the state police for the Home Minister’s security protocol, which is of Z+ category.
The visit of the Union Home Minister to Mizoram holds political and administrative importance. Mizoram, which shares international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, is strategically important for India’s Act East Policy and border management. The central government has been pushing several infrastructure projects in the state including road connectivity, border fencing and development of border areas. The Home Minister is expected to review the progress of these projects and also discuss issues related to refugees from Myanmar, drug trafficking and law and order along the international border. In recent months, Mizoram has been hosting thousands of displaced persons from Myanmar, which has created humanitarian and security challenges. The state government has been seeking additional central assistance to handle the situation. Shah’s visit is expected to address some of these concerns.
Officials have also added a note of caution that the visit may be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, or changes in the Home Minister’s schedule in Delhi. October is still part of the monsoon withdrawal period in Mizoram, and helicopter movement from Lengpui to Thuampui is highly dependent on weather conditions and visibility. The state government has therefore prepared a contingency plan in case of postponement. The public has been advised to follow official announcements from the DIPR and the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Aizawl. If the visit is postponed, a fresh date and revised traffic advisory will be issued. The administration has requested media houses to relay only official information to avoid confusion and rumors.
At present, all departments concerned are working in close coordination to ensure the visit passes off peacefully and successfully. Cleaning and renovation works have been taken up at the Youth Recreation Centre, Falkland Veng. Officials from the Public Works Department, Power Department and Information Department are engaged in making arrangements for the programme. More details about the Home Minister’s speech, interaction with civil society or party programmes are still awaited and are expected to be confirmed by Saturday evening. Further updates will be issued by Kukiland Express as and when official confirmation comes.
