AIZAWL, March 14: Mizoram Home Minister K Sapdanga informed the legislative assembly on Wednesday night that the state is currently hosting a total of 41,355 refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to regional conflicts. Among them, 33,505 refugees are from Myanmar, 5,633 IDPs are from Manipur, and 2,217 refugees are from Bangladesh, all seeking shelter in Mizoram due to political unrest in Myanmar and Bangladesh, and ethnic strife in neighboring Manipur.
While discussing budget demands, Sapdanga elaborated on the situation, highlighting that the state has set up a high-level committee to oversee the welfare of the refugees and IDPs. This committee ensures that the displaced individuals receive necessary support and care.
Sapdanga also addressed the ongoing border dispute between Mizoram and Assam, informing the assembly that the last minister-level talks on the issue were held in Aizawl on August 9 of the previous year. He proposed official-level talks to resolve the dispute in April and confirmed that wider consultations on the matter would be organized, as suggested by assembly members.
In addition, the Home Minister announced that Mizoram is taking significant steps to establish a state human rights commission and to enhance police accountability. Notifications have been issued for the constitution of the state-level police accountability commission and the district-level police accountability commission. In line with national human rights commission recommendations and new criminal laws, efforts are underway to set up a separate directorate of prosecution in the state.
