1,500 Myanmar refugees cross into Mizoram State, India in one week
Approximately 1,500 Myanmar refugees entered the India’s Mizoram State between 22 and 29 July bringing the total number of Myanmar refugees in Mizoram to 35,125, according to All India Radio.
It said that the 1,500 new refugees had dispersed across five districts in Mizoram State.
Champhai District saw the highest influx, with 1,293 refugees arriving in small groups, rather than in one large group.
In addition, 108 of the newly arrived refugees went to Lawngtlai District, 77 went to Saiha District, 14 went to Serchhip District and one went to Aizawl District, according to a Mizoram State official quoted by All India Radio.
Currently, there are 15,505 Myanmar refugees in Champhai District. They are staying in 23 refugee camps and with family and friends.
The recent refugee surge is believed to be due to intense fighting between Chin revolutionary forces and junta troops in the area between Hakha and Thantlang townships in Chin State. it is not uncommon for Myanmar people to flee from Chin State to Mizoram when there is fighting and then return when the fighting subsides.
A senior member of an Indian based refugee organisation said: “We are unaware of the recent influx of refugees. Typically, refugees flee during attacks and return when the situation calms down, making it difficult to maintain a constant refugee list.”
Mizoram based youths and NGOs have warned Myanmar refugees in Mizoram State that they must respect local customs and follow local laws and regulations. These include being prohibited from starting a business and not becoming involved in drug trafficking.
