No.619/2020-2021

Aizawl, 16th March, 2021 : Mizoram Rajya Sabha Member K.Vanlalvena urged Ministry of Home Affairs to consider the plight of protesters against military rule in Myanmar and to relax its policy towards Myanmar refugees crossing over to India.

Raising the issue at Zero Hour in Parlimanet today, Vanlalvena informed the House that over 300 Myanmar nationals who have crossed border are currently taking shelter in Mizoram of which about 150 are police personnel. The state government and NGOs in Mizoram have given immediate help and shelter to these refugees. Meanwhile, Ministry of Home Affairs has given direction to Chief Secretaries of four northeastern states bordering Myanmar to not entertain Myanmar refugees, and instructed the Assam Rifles to seal the border and prevent entry.

Vanlalvena informed the House that it will not go down well with people in Mizoram if the central government insists on deporting these refugees who belong to Mizo ethnic tribe, and it is not possible to deport them until situation in Myanmar improves to normal. Being the largest democracy in the world, Vanlalvena said, it is the responsibility of India to encourage and support any struggle to protect and uphold democratic rights and principles. While the whole world is watching and waiting, India should come forward to extend its helping hand for the protection of Myanmar refugees.