80% of Myanmar refugees in Mizoram are policemen

AIZAWL: At least 80 per cent of the over 2200 migrants from Myanmar who have been taking refuge in Mizoram in the wake of the military coup in the neighbouring country, are police personnel.

The remaining 20 per cent of refugees, including 14 National League for Democracy (NLD) members of parliament, are government servants such as bureaucrats, teachers, fire service personnel etc, Mizoram police sources said.

Mizoram home department sources said the 14 MPs are from Chin state and Sagaing region and are affiliated to NLD that had won the November 2020 election. The junta has taken over reins of the nation alleging voting fraud in the November elections; thus putting an end to a decade-long democracy in the country. NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been in military custody since February 1.

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According to sources, police personnel and political leaders have been fleeing the country for fear of being arrested by the junta. Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Serchhip, Hnahthial and Saitual districts of the state share a 510 km international border with Myanmar.

Mizoram government has decided not to puch back the refugees from the state on humanitarian ground.

The Myanmar nationals have been taking refuge in nine districts of Mizoram, including capital Aizawl. Champhai district is stated to be accommodating the highest number of migrants at 558, while Siaha district has been housing 414. At least 310 Myanmar nationals are stated to be taking refuge in Aizawl.

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Local non-government organisations have been feeding most of the refugees, while some others are being sheltered and fed by villagers.