The Mizoram government has initiated the recruitment process for a new Mizo Territorial Army (MTA) battalion, a move aimed at tackling the persistent issues of drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes, an English daily from the region reported. The report published on 11th August (Monday) said that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has endorsed the proposal, acknowledging the state’s need for a dedicated force to secure its porous international borders.
In its first phase, the recruitment drive will induct 70 male candidates. These recruits will undergo a rigorous nine-month training programme at the Assam Regimental Centre in Shillong before being deployed to different parts of the state, with a particular focus on the border regions.
For a long time, the state government has been advocating for the creation of this battalion to address a significant manpower shortage in dealing with narcotics trafficking and smuggling activities originating from across its unfenced borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. The formation of the MTA is also seen as a crucial initiative to create employment opportunities for Mizo youths while contributing to national security.
