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Picture Courtesy:  THE HINDU

Context:

Mizoram faces a refugee crisis from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur, driven by ethnic ties and conflicts.

Background

Mizoram shares borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. Many people from these neighboring countries, along with some from neighbouring states (like Manipur), desire safety and shelter within its borders, because of fighting, persecution, or unrest in their home areas.

Mizoram's people share close family and cultural ties with these refugees, which makes the situation even more complex as the state tries to help them while also managing its own limited resources.

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How does Mizoram handle the refugee crisis?

The state's dominant Mizo community shares strong ethnic and family ties with the Chins of Myanmar, the Bawms of Bangladesh, and the Kuki-Zos of Manipur, as they all belong to the greater Zo ethnic group. Because of these connections and for humanitarian reasons, Chief Minister Lalduhoma has told the central government that his administration cannot push the refugees back.

Local organizations like the Young Mizo Association (YMA), church groups, and individuals donate money and support the refugees with their basic needs, however, Mizoram also faces challenges. It has limited resources, and the central government initially asked northeastern states not to allow refugees in, creating a conflict.

Some villagers and civil society groups feel the pressure of the continued influx. They have started asking refugees to stop trading and stay in designated camps, even threatening eviction if they do not comply. Some activists also express concerns that uncontrolled movement of refugees threatens national security, changes the local population balance, and drains local resources.

When did Mizoram's refugee crisis begin?

While Myanmar nationals have historically moved in and out of Mizoram, the current major refugee crisis officially began in February 2021. This happened after a military coup (when the army took control of the government) in Myanmar, which drove thousands of people to seek refuge in Mizoram.

The crisis deepened when about 2,000 Bawm people from Bangladesh sought refuge in 2022 after fleeing persecution, and thousands of Kuki-Zo people displaced by ethnic clashes in Manipur also crossed over. Mizoram now houses more than 40,000 shelter-seekers.

How does the Union government respond to the refugee situation?

India is neither a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention nor does it have a specific national law on refugees; it usually handles them under laws related to foreigners. However, the country has a history of hosting refugees from neighboring countries and often works with the United Nations to determine refugee status.

While initially hesitant, the Centre provided ₹8 crore as assistance for refugee relief in Mizoram. The Mizoram government has also shown signs of feeling the pressure from the influx from war-torn Myanmar. 

How does Mizoram identify foreigners in the State?

The Mizoram government urges the Centre to obtain presidential approval for the "Mizoram (Maintenance of Household Registers) Bill."

This bill aims to create detailed records of all households in the state, to identify and keep track of foreigners residing in Mizoram, support the state's effort to manage the influx and address concerns about national security and changing demographics.

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Source: 

THE HINDU