AIZAWL: Over the past ten days, a total of 1,430 Myanmarese nationals have sought refuge in Mizoram, following renewed clashes between the Myanmar military and pro-democratic forces.
At least 40 Myanmarese, including women and children, crossed the India-Myanmar forested border on Friday and Saturday, finding shelter in Mizoram’s Saitual and Champhai districts.
Local villagers have stepped in to provide food and temporary accommodation for the refugees, according to a national news agency.
The refugees, predominantly from Myanmar’s Chin state, have dispersed across various villages in Mizoram.
The exodus was prompted by intensified armed conflicts between the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) and pro-democratic forces led by the Chin National Army.
Many refugees also expressed fear of potential air raids by the Myanmar Air Force.
District officials are actively collecting detailed information on the newly arrived Myanmarese nationals.
The Mizoram government is monitoring the situation closely to ensure the well-being of the refugees.
Meanwhile, opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) leader TC Pachhunga criticised the Centre for its lack of support to Mizoram in handling the refugee crisis.
Speaking at an MNF meeting, Pachhunga stressed the urgent need for financial and logistical assistance from the Centre to aid the state in providing relief to refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and internally displaced people from Manipur.
Pachhunga highlighted that previous MNF administrations had repeatedly requested funds from the Central government to support the migrants.
Despite these appeals, adequate assistance has yet to be provided.
Since February 2021, around 36,000 refugees have entered Mizoram, according to government records, the news agency stated in its report.
These refugees are primarily accommodated in rented houses, with relatives or friends, and in 149 relief camps spread across seven districts of the state.
The Myanmarese refugees in Mizoram mostly belong to the Chin community, sharing deep ethnic, cultural, and traditional ties with the Mizos.
The state of Mizoram shares a 510-km long unfenced border with Myanmar’s Chin state, spanning six districts: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Serchhip, and Saitual.
