Champhai: Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh has underscored the critical need for precise identification of refugees residing within the state, a measure he believes is paramount for national security. During a recent visit to Champhai district, a region strategically located along the international border, Governor Singh engaged with local officials, including Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aaquib, to address pressing concerns.
Sources indicate that the Governor’s discussions in Champhai town focused heavily on preventing any negative repercussions on local communities and the broader nation due to the influx of refugees. He urged proactive steps to mitigate potential adverse impacts.
A significant point of concern for Governor Singh was the pervasive issue of drug trafficking, particularly given Champhai’s proximity to the international border. He highlighted its detrimental effects on society and called for unified efforts, including stringent action against traffickers, to combat drug abuse effectively.
Mizoram is currently providing refuge to approximately 40,000 individuals, a demographic that includes refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as internally displaced persons from Manipur. Mohammad Aaquib, the Champhai Deputy Commissioner, informed the Governor that 4,653 refugees from Myanmar have sought shelter in Champhai district alone, following recent armed conflicts involving Chin rebel groups. Aaquib also apprised the Governor of the challenges posed by recent heavy rainfall and stressed the importance of curbing illicit activities, notably drug trafficking, across the porous Indo-Myanmar border.
Beyond refugee and security matters, Governor Singh also laid emphasis on the efficient implementation of central government welfare schemes to ensure maximum benefits reach the general public.
Following his meeting with district officials, Governor Singh visited the Assam Rifles camp in Champhai. There, he interacted with Assam Rifles DIG Brigadier Pushpendar Sorayan and other senior officers, who provided him with a detailed briefing on their ongoing operations and initiatives along the 510-km long India-Myanmar border, which the Assam Rifles is tasked with guarding.
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