Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Aizawl: The central government has committed to providing rice valued at 10 crore to assist nearly 40,000 refugees and displaced individuals currently residing in Mizoram. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the aid during a meeting with Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma in New Delhi.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma met with Shah to outline the severe humanitarian challenges his state faces while hosting these populations. He explained that the state government has maintained relief efforts despite significant resource constraints. In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Home Affairs agreed to address the food requirements of those taking shelter in the region. An official statement noted that "the Centre would provide rice worth Rs 10 crore to help meet the food requirements of those taking refuge in the State."
Mizoram is currently home to over 28,000 Myanmar nationals who fled following the February 2021 military coup. Additionally, the state is sheltering approximately 2,300 members of the Bawm community from Bangladesh and nearly 7,000 Kuki people displaced by ethnic violence in Manipur that began in May 2023. These groups maintain strong cultural ties with the Mizo people.
Beyond immediate relief, the two leaders discussed broader security and development matters. Lalduhoma requested that the state be included in the Security Related Expenditure scheme to better combat drug trafficking and cybercrime. Shah encouraged the state to submit project proposals under the Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North Eastern Region scheme and promised to assist in their pursuit.
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