Mizoram CM Zoramthangma urges PM Modi to intervene in providing asylum to Myanmar refugees
In a letter addressing the Prime Minister, Zoramthangma said India cannot turn a blind eye to the humanitarian crisis.
FollowNew Delhi: Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthangma has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in providing asylum to people who are facing wrath after the military junta in Myanmar imposed an emergency nationwide.
In a letter addressing the Prime Minister, Zoramthangma said India cannot turn a blind eye to the humanitarian crisis.
He wrote to PM Modi in the backdrop of an advisory issued by the Home Ministry, asking the state administration and security agencies to prevent influx of illegal refugees from Myanmar into Indian territory and initiate the deportation process expeditiously without any delay.
The Home Ministry had to issue advisory after the Mizoram government made arrangements, including shelter, food and medical facilities for those who were persecuted in their country.
In his letter, Zoramthangma said officials taking action to prevent illegal influx from Myanmar into India and initiate deportation is not acceptable to Mizoram.
“Mizoram cannot just remain indifferent to their sufferings today. India cannot turn a blind eye to this humanitarian crisis unfolding right in front of us in our own backyard,” the letter dated March 18 stated.
India and Myanmar have Free Movement Regime (FMR) that allows people to travel up to 16 km on either side of the borders and stay up to 14 days.
Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the two sides had suspended this regime.
“It has not been restored till date,” an official said.
Among the refugees, mostly they are serving police personnel and their families from the neighbouring Chin state of Myanmar.
On February 1, the military regime in Myanmar overthrew the elected government, citing fraud in electioneering.
“The whole country is in turmoil and innocent hapless citizens are being persecuted and killed by the military regime who are supposed to be their guardians and protectors,” the letter added.
The two countries share a 1,642 km border and people on either side have familial ties due to the ethnic affiliations.
