AIZAWL, July 1: In a significant appeal aimed at fostering harmony, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday urged refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Manipur to integrate with local communities and respect the state’s laws, customs, and religious practices.
Speaking at the ‘Remna Ni’ celebration in Aizawl, commemorating the anniversary of the historic Mizoram Peace Accord, the chief minister emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence between the host population and asylum seekers. “Refugees should not isolate themselves but mingle with the locals and adopt a sense of ownership during their stay in Mizoram,” Lalduhoma said.
Mizoram is currently sheltering around 40,000 individuals—comprising refugees from Myanmar’s post-coup turmoil, Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts conflict, and Kuki people displaced by ethnic violence in Manipur since May 2023.
Lalduhoma acknowledged concerns over a rising crime rate allegedly linked to refugees, citing Home Minister K. Sapdanga’s recent statement that over 50% of crimes in the state were committed by individuals from outside. However, he cautioned against blanket blame. “Law-abiding refugees should not be judged for the actions of a few,” he stated.
He also appealed to refugees to participate in local community life by joining nearby churches instead of forming separate ones, and to engage with groups like the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the state’s largest philanthropic body, for better integration.
In a policy shift, the chief minister noted that the state government is considering confiscating identity documents issued by the Myanmar government to certain refugees found repeatedly crossing the border and violating Indian laws.
