25 March 2011: Mizoram authorities in the northeast state of India have ordered Burmese nationals belonging to 23 families, who are not on the electoral rolls (voter’s list), to leave Mizoram by April 9.

The reason is villagers in Phaibawk of Vaphai tract group in Champhai district had requested for a separate voting booth to the local authorities, a report said.

“Champhai Police Officer-in-Charge came to us last Sunday and told us that 23 Burmese families not on the electoral rolls will be driven out of the village,” said an eyewitness.

Although 143 members from 23 families will not be allowed to live in the village, but the rest 43, who are children attending school, will be allowed to continue their schooling.

“It is not a practical solution allowing children to attend school without their parents being present. We are not sure how that is possible,” said a local.

In fact, almost all villagers of Phaibawk shifted from Falam township in Chin state Burma to Mizoram and only half of them have voting rights.

Although the Vaphai VC (village Council) and YMA (Young Mizo Association) had tried to destroy the houses of those who are not on the electoral rolls in the village, Champhai OC has banned them from staying on.