Over 100 Myanmar nationals cross over to Mizoram as State awaits Centre’s direction

Aizawl, March 9: Mizoram is awaiting the Centre’s directions on how to deal with refugees from Myanmar even as more than 100 people from the neighbouring country have already crossed over to the Indian state.

State Home Minister Lalchamliana told the State Assembly on Monday that Mizoram government was still awaiting the directions from Delhi.

“A detailed record of the identities and other particulars of the Myanmar refugees who enter Mizoram will be prepared and all available relief will be provided to them by the state government for the time being. And thereafter, how they should be provided shelter and relief will be decided as per the Centre’s directives,” he said.

Lalchamliana added that India is not bound by the legal obligations to protect refugees as it is not a signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention of 1951 and its 1967 protocol.

A top police official said that more than 100 Myanmar nationals have entered Mizoram since late February till Monday.

“The exact figure of the refugees could not be ascertained now as some people have mingled with the locals (Mizos) and Myanmar’s Chin people who are already settled in Mizoram,” he said.