How Mizoram Became the Entry Point for Mercenaries Heading to Myanmar

New Delhi Correspondent

New Delhi, June 10, 2025: India’s northeastern state of Mizoram has emerged as a major transit route for mercenaries entering Myanmar amid its ongoing conflict. According to a report published in *The Hindu*, foreign mercenaries are crossing through Mizoram’s borders to join rebel groups fighting against Myanmar’s junta government. This development has raised security concerns for India.

Mizoram shares a 510-kilometer-long border with Myanmar’s Chin and Rakhine states. Large portions of this border are now under the control of ethnic armed groups like the Arakan Army (AA). Since November 2023, the AA has made significant military gains in Rakhine, weakening the junta’s control. Taking advantage of this power vacuum, foreign mercenaries are reportedly entering Myanmar through Mizoram.

The report states that historical and cultural similarities between Mizoram’s local communities and those in Myanmar’s Chin and Rakhine states have facilitated this movement. Shared language and ethnic ties often lead locals to help conceal the movement of mercenaries. Additionally, Mizoram’s hilly terrain and weak border surveillance have further eased the process.

Indian intelligence agencies have reported that these mercenaries include citizens from Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of Eastern Europe. Primarily joining the Arakan Army and other rebel groups, they fight against the junta in exchange for money, offering advanced training and weapons expertise.

The Mizoram government has adopted a cautious stance on the matter. The state’s Chief Minister has stated that border surveillance has been intensified, and measures are being taken in coordination with the central government. However, locals claim that due to the vast border area and lack of manpower, complete control remains difficult.

Meanwhile, cross-border trade between Mizoram and AA-controlled areas continues. There are suspicions that mercenary movements are being masked under this trade. The Indian central government is concerned about the situation and is attempting to strengthen border security through diplomatic talks with Myanmar.

Analysts believe Mizoram’s role as a transit point poses a threat not only to India’s internal security but also to regional stability. As long as Myanmar’s internal conflict persists, border states like Mizoram may continue to serve as entry routes for mercenaries. Addressing this situation will require closer cooperation between India and Myanmar.

The incident has renewed questions about Mizoram’s border management and the security of India’s northeastern region. There are growing calls for the government to take swift and effective measures to tackle this challenge.