Photo Courtesy: nenews
Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has raised concerns regarding the ongoing influx of refugees fleeing conflict in Myanmar. Speaking at the North Eastern Council meeting in Shillong, the Chief Minister noted that the steady arrival of displaced individuals is putting significant strain on the state’s resources and administrative systems.
"Given the prevailing geopolitical situation in Myanmar, more people are seeking refuge. There is a possibility that additional displaced persons will continue to arrive, and this has become a burden for the state," Lalduhoma said.
Mizoram shares a 510-kilometre border with Myanmar, making it a primary destination for those escaping instability that began after the military coup in February 2021. Home Minister K. Sapdanga recently informed the state assembly that nearly 29,000 refugees from Myanmar are officially hosted across 11 districts. When including individuals from Bangladesh and those displaced by violence in Manipur, government records place the total number of displaced people in the state at over 38,000.
Independent estimates suggest the actual number of people seeking shelter could be as high as 60,000, as many refugees reside outside of official camps and remain unregistered. While the Union government has advised against taking in refugees, local communities, religious groups, and civil society organizations have continued to provide aid, driven by shared ethnic and cultural ties with the Chin people crossing the border.
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