In Mizoram where majority of the population are Christians, there have been ‘survival of the fittest’ in as far as trade and business is concerned. There are hundreds of non-Mizos who had been trading in Mizoram with proper permission and law. But still, there are many too who do not own a single document to carry their trade and business in Mizoram. In connection with this problem, a business organisation called Mizo Panhnah Zuar Association (Mizo Betel leaf Seller Association) who sells betel leaves in cooperation with Mizoram police have taken the initiatives to drive out illegal sellers of betel leaves.
As a result, till September 3 last, the association in close collaboration with police have arrested five illegal betel leaves seller. They were all from the plain area like Karimganj town, Silchar town.
On August 30 morning, one Jahana Begum, 27, of Silchar was arrested in this connection. Jahana Begum was arrested while selling her betel leaves in Aizawl. After further investigation it was found out that Jahana Begum does not have Inner Line Permit (ILP), which is mandatory for plain people to visit the state.
The accused persons were produced before a local court on September 3 and members of Mizo Betel Leaf Sellers Association acted as ‘witness’ of the case.
Members of the association informed NNN that there are certain traders who carry their illegal trade masquerading as Mizos.
There are local people too who assisted these people in carrying out their illegal trade to benefit themselves, said sources.