Sat May 03 18:27:54 UTC 2025: ## US Citizens Detained and Deported from Mizoram Over Suspected Links to Insurgency
**Aizawl, Mizoram, May 3, 2025** – Two American nationals were detained and deported from Lengpui airport in Mizoram on Saturday, May 3rd, after arriving in the state with intentions to visit Bawm refugee camps. According to a senior government official, intelligence agencies had prior information about the arrival of four U.S. citizens, including two of Bangladeshi origin, all on tourist visas.
The two detained individuals, whose names are being withheld, are suspected of having links to the Kuki-Chin National Front (KCNF) in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Intelligence suggests the Bangladeshi-American citizens played a significant role in the KCNF’s early development. The Bawm refugees, who fled Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tract Area since 2022 following a military offensive against the Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA), are currently sheltered in Mizoram.
The detained Americans are reportedly associated with Tearfund, an international organization working with churches and Christian groups across numerous countries. Their activities in the Chittagong area prior to their arrival in Mizoram further fueled suspicion about the purpose of their visit. The lack of a Protected Area Permit (PAP) also contributed to their detention and subsequent deportation to Delhi.
The incident comes amidst heightened security concerns in the region. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reinstated the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram in December 2024 to monitor the movement of foreigners. The reintroduction of PAR followed concerns over increased influx from neighboring countries. Mizoram’s Chief Minister had earlier expressed concerns about potential Western mercenaries using the state as a transit point to Myanmar. Following this, security at Lengpui airport was transferred to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on April 21st.
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