Myanmar coup: Mizoram witnesses influx of refugees as hundreds seek asylum

Over 380 Myanmar nationals, including women and children have so far sneaked into Mizoram seeking refuge since late February, following the military coup and subsequent crackdown on pro-democratic movements in Myanmar

As per reports, a total of 383 people from Myanmar have already entered five districts of Mizoram, of which 297 were already verified while 86 others were yet to be confirmed or verified.

About 98 percent of the Myanmar nationals claimed to belong to the police force and fire service.

Champhai, Lawngtlai, Siaha, Saitual, Hnahthial and Serchhip districts of the state share a 510 km long porous international border with Myanmar’s Chin state. However, among the six border districts, only Saitual district has not reported an influx of any refugees from Myanmar after the coup so far.

Though the state government and Assam Rifles were trying their best to prevent illegal influx, the Myanmar nationals, who have already entered the state due to humanitarian crisis, could not be prevented due to the porous border.

Earlier, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and Home Minister Lalchamliana said that the state government will on humanitarian grounds provide relief to the Myanmar refugees.

Recently, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly written to the Chief Secretaries of four Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, which share international borders with Myanmar to take appropriate action as per law to prevent an illegal influx of people from the neighbouring country.

However, officials in Mizoram chief secretary office said they have not received any such letter from the ministry so far.