Aizawl: The Lawngtlai district administration in southern Mizoram is stepping up measures to regulate the movement of refugees and curb unauthorised trading activities with Myanmar, Deputy Commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga said on Thursday, amid concerns over vehicles allegedly entering the district in violation of official orders.

Lalruatsanga made the remarks at a meeting with leaders of the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA), the largest civil society organisation in the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) area. The meeting discussed the seizure of 10 Tata pickup vehicles allegedly entering the district in violation of an order issued by the district magistrate.

According to officials, volunteers of the Young Lai Association (YLA) intercepted the vehicles in the AOC Veng area of Lawngtlai between 2 am and 3 am on October 13. The vehicles were travelling from Aizawl and were subsequently handed over to the Enforcement wing of the District Transport Office (DTO).

Lalruatsanga said the administration had already put rules in place to regulate refugees, their movement and trading activities, particularly along the Myanmar border. He stressed the need for strict compliance with the regulations and said the administration was coordinating with the LADC to enforce them.

He also said the administration was monitoring cross-border movement and trade to ensure that all activities complied with the law.

Vehicles may be sent back

Officials said the meeting observed that the 10 pickup vehicles had allegedly entered the district in violation of the district magistrate’s order governing trading activities. It suggested that the vehicles could be sent back if the dealers concerned furnished an undertaking.

The Deputy Commissioner also expressed concern over reports of unauthorised vehicle checks and the collection of money from vehicles travelling into and out of the district. He said such practices were unacceptable and that those involved would be identified and dealt with according to law.

Lalruatsanga also raised concerns over vehicles entering the district in violation of official orders and said the administration would continue taking measures to enforce the regulations.

CYLA leaders said they were working to prevent illegal collection of money and expressed support for the administration’s efforts to enforce laws and official orders.

The Deputy Commissioner appealed to voluntary organisations and residents to cooperate with the administration in enforcing the regulations and maintaining order.

Scrutiny of vehicle movement

The latest action comes amid concerns over vehicle theft and the alleged illegal movement of vehicles through Lawngtlai district. A recent meeting convened by the district administration flagged an increase in such incidents.

The administration has called for intensified surveillance of stolen vehicles and those allegedly being taken to Myanmar for sale. The monitoring is also intended to cover new vehicles purchased using Indian documents or improper documentation, officials said.

Nearly 30,000 people from Myanmar are currently taking shelter across Mizoram, with a large number living in Lawngtlai district, according to officials.