In a pivotal meeting, Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, the newly appointed Eastern Army Commander, engaged with General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), the Honourable Governor of Mizoram, and Shri Pu Lalduhoma, the Honourable Chief Minister of Mizoram. The gathering, which took place on January 30, 2025, centered on the important task of managing the Indo-Myanmar border, with a focus on fostering collaboration among key stakeholders involved in border security and maintaining regional stability.
Lt Gen RC Tiwari, who took over the position from Lieutenant General RP Kalita, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously commanded units in counter-insurgency operations and high-altitude mountain brigades. His notable past experience also includes serving as the General Officer Commanding of the Black Cat Division. His appointment was officially announced on December 18, 2023, and prior to this role, he was the Chief of Staff at Headquarters South Western Command in Jaipur. His educational background features prestigious institutions, including the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Defence Management, and the National Defence College.
In his role as Governor of Mizoram, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh has leveraged his extensive military background for civilian governance. His leadership in the state has been characterized by initiatives aimed at blending military insights with civil administration to benefit Mizoram’s residents.
During the meeting, Lt Gen Tiwari and the state leaders examined various dimensions of managing the extensive 1,643 km Indo-Myanmar border that traverses Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh. The ongoing internal conflict in Myanmar has resulted in an influx of refugees, raising significant security challenges, particularly in Manipur. These developments highlight the urgent need for effective border management strategies. Additionally, discussions touched upon the implications of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the border, which permits the cross-border movement of certain tribal communities, yet raises concerns over the absence of consistent monitoring.
Shri Pu Lalduhoma, who assumed the role of Chief Minister following a decisive victory in the 2023 Mizoram Legislative Assembly election, has expressed a keen awareness of the sensitivity surrounding border issues, particularly in light of the historical backdrop of colonial-induced ethnic divisions. His extensive experience as a police officer and longstanding engagement in Mizoram’s political landscape position him as a central figure in the state’s governance and policymaking on border-related matters.
The meeting represents a collective commitment to tackle the strategic and security challenges that confront the Indo-Myanmar border. It emphasizes the necessity for improved coordination between military operations and civil governance to maintain peace and security in the region. Such interactions underline the critical role of civil-military collaboration in the management of international borders, especially in sensitive and complex areas like Northeast India.
