Myanmar Refugees in Mizoram / Photo: Network for Unity Association Mizoram
Mizzima
The National Unity Government (NUG) issued a statement on 7 May 2024 restating advice on how Myanmar refugees in India should behave that it first issued on 15 June 2023.
It requested that refugees from Myanmar:
Refrain from any acts that are prejudicial to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of India.
Be cautious and avoid unnecessary involvement in political and administrative matters (e.g., election campaigns of the political parties and ethnic-based conflicts of the State where they are taking shelter).
Not get involved in illegal trafficking of drugs, wild animals, and other products.
Live in harmony and appropriately with host communities and follow the religious and social rules regulated in the wards and villages where they are residing.
It also asked Myanmar nationals, who need to cross the border in the case of emergencies including health or social matters to cooperate with the relevant governmental authorities and relevant non-governmental organisations in India to ensure that security and stability in the border areas is maintained.
It also advised Myanmar nationals who encounter any hardships or challenges in India to reach out and seek assistance and support from civil society and philanthropic organisations assisting Myanmar refugees and communicate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if necessary.
The NUG Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued an additional notification in light of India’s Lok Sabha election which is running from 19 April to 1 June and will see intensive political campaigning.
Fortunately, most refugees seem to be already following the advice. A Myanmar national living in India said: “A majority of Myanmar citizens residing in India tend to refrain from involvement in local politics or elections. However, during campaign seasons, there is a concern that political parties might attempt to exploit our community for their own gain.”
A surge in drug trafficking from the Myanmar border, reported by Mizoram’s Excise and Narcotics Department, and an increase in illicit alcohol production in and around the Mizoram state capital, Aizawl, is being blamed on Myanmar refugees in some quarters.
Over 50,000 refugees, including Members of parliaments and members of the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) from Myanmar, have sought refuge in the Indian states of Mizoram and Manipur and the Indian capital, New Delhi, according to civil society organisations.
