Aizawl: Mizoram Governor Lt. Gen. (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) visited Champhai District to review administrative preparedness and the challenges arising from the ongoing influx of refugees from Myanmar. The district, which shares a porous international border with Myanmar, has seen a significant influx of refugees due to escalating conflict across the border.
Upon his arrival at the Champhai Helipad, the Governor was received by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aaquib and Addl. SP Victor Zothansanga, and was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour. A formal meeting followed at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Keifangtlang, where the Governor met with senior officials of various government departments.
Addressing the officials, Governor Singh praised the departments for their dedication to public welfare but emphasized the urgent need for effective identification and management of refugees to uphold national security. He acknowledged Mizoram’s limited resources and called for proactive steps to prevent strain on local communities, while ensuring humanitarian support continues in line with national interest.
He also stressed the importance of raising public awareness about central schemes and improving implementation at the grassroots level, including in refugee-hosting areas. Referring to Champhai’s strategic border location, he highlighted the growing threat of drug trafficking, calling it a serious concern with long-term societal effects. He urged tighter enforcement against traffickers and coordinated efforts to combat drug abuse.
The Governor spoke at length about strengthening education, urging the creation of supportive learning environments to help Mizo students succeed in national-level competitive exams. Commending the implementation of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, he encouraged the formation of more Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and advocated for organic vegetable cultivation to boost rural livelihoods.
He also reviewed progress on key schemes such as rooftop solar projects, waste management, food processing, and healthcare initiatives including Ayushman Bharat, Jan Aushadhi, and Health & Wellness Centres. He underlined the importance of nutritious meals in schools and Anganwadis, especially for children in vulnerable and displaced communities.
Champhai Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aaquib, in his briefing, presented the district’s current challenges, particularly those stemming from recent heavy rainfall and the ongoing Myanmar refugee crisis. He emphasized the need for strengthened measures to prevent illegal cross-border activities, particularly drug trafficking.
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