Over 24,000 Myanmar refugees in Mizoram: CM Zoramthanga

Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on Tuesday that more than 24,200 Myanmar nationals had taken refuge in the state since the military coup in the neighboring country.

The chief minister informed the state legislature that “as per official records till February 12, 24,289 Myanmar refugees are taking refuge in Mizoram.”

He said the recent clashes in neighboring countries, especially China, had led to an increase in the number of Myanmar nationals fleeing the state.

The number of Myanmar citizens fluctuates with new arrivals almost every day, as some refugees return to their villages and return on their own.

Zoramathanga also told the assembly that food, shelter and other assistance was provided to Myanmar on humanitarian grounds by the state government, NGOs, churches, student organizations and village authorities.

He said his government had urged the Center to help the displaced Myanmar nationals but it was not possible for the central government to help them directly as India was a party to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its 1967 treaty.

“The center helps us and in return we help the citizens of Myanmar,” Zormathanga said, adding that his government had sought more help from the state to help the people of Myanmar. Could provide

He added that the state government was trying to ensure that displaced Myanmar citizens did not face any problems.

Meanwhile, state Home Minister Lalchamliana informed the state legislature that the state government has released Rs 2,000 so far. RS 380 lakh for assistance to displaced persons from Myanmar.

“The funds are being used for construction of relief camps, provision of food, drinking water and clothing, electricity, medical aid and sanitation facilities among others,” the interior minister said in a written reply.

He said that the displaced people of Myanmar have taken refuge in all the 11 districts of the state, with the highest number of 8,381 inhabited in Siaha district, followed by Champhai (5,925) and Lawngtlai district (5,409).

Kolasib district in the northern part of the state bordering Assam has the lowest number at 135.

The interior minister said that as of February 12, according to government records, 499 Myanmar citizens were taking refuge in Azul district.

He said that 143 relief camps have been set up in different parts of the state.

He said that out of the total 24,289 citizens of Myanmar, 9,033 have stayed in relief camps, while 15,256 live outside relief camps.

Mizoram shares a 510 km long international border with Myanmar.

The influx of people from Myanmar began at the end of February last year after the Myanmar army seized power on February 1.

Most Myanmar nationals seeking refuge in Mizoram are from the Chinese state, which has ethnic ties to Mizoram.