Mizoram Home Minister K. Sapdanga has said the state government needs to carefully consider how it should respond to both Zo and non-Zo people fleeing from the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh into Mizoram.
Speaking at a seminar on Thursday, Sapdanga said the growing influx of refugees from across the international border requires a considered policy response from the government.
The seminar, organised by The Zozam Times at the IPR Auditorium, was held on the theme, “The Impact of the Ongoing Conflict in Bangladesh’s Tribal Areas on Mizoram and the Chittagong Accord.”
The Home Minister said many Zo communities living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts have been forced to flee because Muslim settlers are increasingly moving into their areas and seeking to occupy their land. He said the deteriorating security situation has compelled many residents to leave their homes and seek refuge in Mizoram.
Sapdanga noted that Chakmas and Brus were also among those fleeing the violence. He said churches had extended humanitarian assistance to those in need, while civil society organisations and political parties had also provided support, keeping the state’s security concerns in mind.
“At a time like this, we need to seriously consider how both Zo and non-Zo refugees from Bangladesh should be received. The government, too, must give careful thought to the issue,” he said.
He expressed hope that the seminar would encourage discussions among the government, community organisations, churches and civil society on how best to address the evolving situation.
Adviser to the Chief Minister (Political) Lalmuanpuia Punte also addressed the gathering. He said it was important to understand the circumstances of communities living in neighbouring regions and the reasons behind their movement into Mizoram, adding that such discussions help provide a clearer understanding of the state’s border situation.
The seminar was chaired by The Zozam Times editor Tuikhuahthanga. Associate Professor Dr Lalrinnunga Hmar of Mizoram University delivered the keynote address, while Associate Professor Dr Lalthlamuana Ralte of Pachhunga University moderated the discussion session.
Representatives of political parties, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the Mizo Students’ Union (MSU), tribal student organisations, students’ unions from various colleges, researchers, and members of the media attended the seminar.
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