Mizoram approves aid for Bangladeshi Kuki-Chin refugees, more influx expected

At least 200 Kuki-Chin refugees from Chittagong arrived in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district on Sunday, saying the Bangladeshi military has launched the operation against Kuki-Chin National Army

The Mizoram Cabinet has approved the setting up of temporary shelters and other amenities for Bangladeshi Kuki-Chin refugees, who have sought refuge in the northeastern state amid an alleged military operation against an ethnic insurgent group in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hills Tracts .

More influx of refugees was expected. (Sourced)

Home minister Lalchamliana on Tuesday said the Cabinet sympathies with the refugees, who have fled their homes, and decided to extend the aid to them.

At least 200 Kuki-Chin refugees from Chittagong arrived in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district on Sunday, saying the Bangladeshi military has launched the operation against Kuki-Chin National Army, which has been demanding a separate state and safeguards for the Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities in Bangladesh.

More influx of refugees was expected. Young Mizo Association vice president Richies Laltanpuia, who has been working for the refugees, said that many children were among those who came to Mizoram without their parents. “Some mothers came without their husbands and children...some fathers came without their wives and children.”

Laltanpuia said they have learnt that more refugees entered Mizoram on Monday night. “We are yet to verify this. More people are likely to come...” He said the refugees belong to Bawm tribes. Laltanpuia said locals and NGOs were providing them food and clothings and other items were being arranged.

Lawngtlai sub-divisional officer Manesia Khaimeichho denied reports that more people from Bangladesh entered Mizoram on Tuesday. “...the district administration on Tuesday recounted the Bangladeshi nationals and 272 have taken refuge in the Lawngtlai district.”

Another official said the Bangladeshi nationals have been shifted from Simeinasora near the Mizoram-Bangladesh-Myanmar trijunction to Parva village and lodged at a community hall and a school.

Mizoram, which shares a 318-km-long border with Bangladesh, hosts over 30,000 refugees from Myanmar.

Zo Reunification Organisation, a Mizoram based association fighting for the reunification of Chin-Kuki-Mizo tribes of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh, has condemned Bangladeshi army’s alleged attacks on civilians of the community.

Lalmuanpuia Punte, the vice president of the organisation, said they have appealed to Mizoram’s people to extend humanitarian aid to Bangladesh’s Chin-Kuki community, whom the Mizos share ethnic ties with.

About 350000 people of Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities live in Chittagong Hills Tracts.