Synopsis
A Mizoram social activist has called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take immediate steps to address the illegal entry of Myanmar refugees, increasing crime rates, and the smuggling of drugs and explosives in the state, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention.Key Takeaways
- Urgent action needed on Myanmar refugee influx.
- Rising crime rates linked to undocumented migrants.
- Threats to national security from cross-border crimes.
- Illegal use of fraudulent documents by refugees.
- Local resources under significant pressure.
Aizawl, March 12 (NationPress) A Mizoram social activist has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take immediate action regarding the illegal influx of Myanmar refugees into the state. This situation has led to an alarming rise in crime rates, smuggling of explosives and narcotics, as well as issues surrounding fraudulent documentation in the northeastern state.
Following the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021, numerous refugees, including women and children, have fled to Mizoram seeking asylum, and their population has surged to approximately 35,000.
The majority of these refugees are ethnically Chin and share significant ethnic similarities with the predominant Mizo population. They are currently residing in camps across most of the 11 districts of the northeastern state, which has an open border of 510 km with Myanmar.
In his correspondence with the Home Minister, social activist V.L. Thlamuanpuia expressed serious concerns about the escalating number of Myanmar refugees in Mizoram, highlighting the implications for national security, demographic shifts, and pressures on local resources.
“While India has historically embraced humanitarian values, the current scenario necessitates swift government action to preserve law and order, ensure national security, and protect the rights of Indian citizens,” he articulated.
Thlamuanpuia pointed out that the unchecked entry of refugees stemming from ongoing internal conflict in Myanmar has resulted in a surge of undocumented individuals entering Mizoram.
This influx has created significant challenges concerning border security, increased pressure on public resources, and potential security threats. He noted that the rising incidence of cross-border crimes, including human trafficking, illegal drug trafficking, and the alarming trade of explosives, has intensified the crisis, posing a considerable risk to public safety and national security.
The social activist also emphasized the critical issue of the rampant use of fraudulent documents by illegal immigrants.
Many individuals from Myanmar are acquiring counterfeit Indian identification, such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and other official documents, enabling them to illegitimately access government services and establish residency.
Thlamuanpuia, who has worked in environmental and wildlife sectors, stated that the influx of refugees not only threatens national security but also raises significant concerns regarding electoral integrity, resource distribution, and law enforcement.
He lamented that numerous Mizo youths have lost their lives due to drug-related issues, with drugs being trafficked into Mizoram by Myanmar refugees and other drug dealers.
“The Myanmar refugees who have fled to Mizoram due to conflicts in their home country are engaging in the creation of false documents. The state government relies on NGOs for law enforcement and has failed to take action to curb the rise in social crimes,” Thlamuanpuia noted.
