Aizawl: A substantial influx of displaced individuals has placed Mizoram in the spotlight, as recent government records reveal that 41,355 refugees are currently seeking shelter within the state’s borders.
These figures, released by the Mizoram government, underscore the pressing humanitarian challenges faced by the region, prompting authorities to deliberate on comprehensive welfare and treatment strategies.
During Monday’s Assembly session, Home Minister K. Sapdanga provided a detailed breakdown of the refugee demographics. The state is currently accommodating 2,217 individuals from Bangladesh, 2,633 from Manipur, and a significant 33,505 from Myanmar. The Minister also addressed the sensitive matter of central government refugee funds, clarifying that these are classified as secret funds, primarily allocated for preventative measures, with stringent documentation protocols in place.
In response to the growing refugee population, the government has established a dedicated committee to oversee welfare initiatives. This committee has convened twice, and a specialized sub-branch has been formed to conduct detailed research on refugee livelihood strategies. These efforts signify the government’s commitment to addressing the immediate and long-term needs of the refugees.
However, amidst these efforts, local tensions have surfaced in the Champhai district. The joint NGO of Farkawn village, during a meeting on March 15, advocated for a ban on refugee-operated shops within their village. Subsequently, a directive issued by the Farkawn Village Council and other local groups and NGOs mandates that all refugee shop owners must liquidate their stock and cease operations by May 31. Furthermore, a notice was released stipulating that refugees are required to obtain prior authorization from the Village Level Committee on Myanmar Refugees (VLCMR) before entering the village.
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