Over 1500 Myanmar refugees seek shelter in Mizoram
AIZAWL: There has been a fresh influx of refugees from Myanmar into Mizoram.
According to reports, over 1500 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge in Mizoram over the past one week.
This fresh influx of Myanmar nationals is a result of renewed battles between the Myanmar Army and an alliance of three ethnic insurgent groups, including the Chin National Army (CNA).
The Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, has engaged in fresh armed conflict with the alliance of insurgent outfits in Chin and Rakhine States of the country.
As a result, around 1500 new refugees have entered Mizoram over the past week.
These Myanmar refugees have sought shelter in the Mizoram districts of Champhai, Serchhip, Lawngtlai, Siaha and Aizawl.
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With this fresh influx, the total number of Myanmar refugees in Mizoram has risen to over 35,120.
These refugees have fled into Mizoram in various phases since the military takeover in Myanmar in February 2021.
In addition to the Myanmar nationals, over 2000 Bangladeshi tribals from the Bawm community have sought refuge in Mizoram since November 2022.
These refugees fled from the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh following an offensive by the Bangladeshi Army against the insurgent group Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA).
Most refugees are staying in rented accommodations and homes of their relatives or friends, while others are living in relief camps across Mizoram.
Mizoram shares a 510-km-long unfenced border with Myanmar and a 318-km international border with Bangladesh.