Mizoram CM assures to look after Myanmar refugees, Manipur IDPs until situation normalizes

Mizoram CM Lalduhoma today reiterated his government’s commitment to look after the people who have fled conflict torn Myanmar as well as the internally displaced people of Manipur. He assured that they will be taken proper care of and will only be pushed back when situation normalizes.

Lalduhoma who attended the NEC Plenary Meet in Shillong chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah also batted for talks between the Government as well as the tribal groups in Manipur and bring a lasting solution to the present situation.

Regarding the Myanmar refugees, Lalduhoma said, “We are looking after them on humanitarian basis thats all. People are fleeing from Myanmar to our country for shelter and we are helping them on humanitarian grounds. Its a fluctuating population, today they are more, tomorrow they are less, they are coming and going depending on the situation there. And the soldiers of Myanmar keep on coming and seek shelter from us. We used to send them by air to the Government of Myanmar. We have sent back around 450 soldiers so far.”

However, the Mizoram CM said that he is not aware of the Centre’s decision to end the Free Movement Regime at the Myanmar border.

Regarding this he said, “I have seen only in the media (govt decision to withdraw FMR), but I have not received any official information about this. Prime Minister and Home Minister does not mention anything about this to me. I have not received anything in writing.”

Regarding the Manipur situation, the Mizoram Chief Minister also expressed concern and said that a solution is of utmost necessity for which every stakeholder must come on board the talks table.
CM Lalduhoma said, “There has to be a solution between the Government of India, Govt of Manipur and the tribal leaders.”

The Mizoram CM said that President’s Rule has been expected for long and that the IDPs have the right to seek refuge in any part of the nation.

Backing his statement, Lalduhoma said, “That’s what (President’s Rule) we are expecting since very long because the situation does not change and sometimes it gets worse.

It affects us to the extent of extending assistance to them and of course they are Indians and the Constitution of India provides that any Indian can settle anywhere in the country. So right now it is necessary for them to stay in Mizoram and so long as normalcy returns to the state of Manipur. We will look after them.”

When asked if the time has come for the Centre’s intervention, Lalduhoma said, “Of course. It is the responsibility of the Home Ministry if there is trouble anywhere in the country and there has to be a solution between the Government of Manipur and the tribal leaders, and that has to be liasioned by the Home Ministry. I have nothing to do with this problem except that I have to take care of the refugees. It is the headache of the Home Ministry and the Government of Manipur, not mine.”