The Burma Refugee Committee Kabaw Valley (BRCK) has reported that the Manipur state government is currently considering plans to issue temporary residency cards to refugees seeking refuge in Manipur, India. The government also plans to construct a dedicated camp to provide shelter and support to these Myanmar refugees.
During a meeting held on March 26 in a village in Moreh township of Manipur state, Minister U Let Pao Haokip, chairman of the committee established to deal with Myanmar issues, met with heads of departments and Myanmar refugees. According to U Thang Seia, chairman of the Burma Refugee Committee Kabaw Valley (BRCK), the statement was made during this meeting.
“It is very sad that we went from the life of a war refugee, to a life of running and hiding
again. However this time provides a measure of happiness for all the people of Myanmar who have fled the war. We are also grateful to all the stakeholders who have helped and encouraged us to reach such a situation,” said U Thang Seia.
The government of Manipur will build a refugee camp in a location on the Myanmar- India border.They will provide 20 lakh rupees towards the construction of the camp, and have pledged to support the refugees with water supply, food, healthcare, education, and security to the best of their abilities.
Myanmar citizens who reside in the designated refugee camp and possess a temporary card, will have the freedom to move around within the state, without any restrictions. However, those who choose to live outside the camp as tenants, despite having a temporary card, will be subject to arrest and prosecution.
Furthermore, Minister U Let Pao Haokip has stated that individuals who have been arrested under the Foreigner Act in Manipur state will be released once the camp is constructed and available for temporary residency.
The Manipur state government often arrests and imprisons migrants and refugees from Myanmar, and currently there are more than 170 Myanmar nationals who have been arrested for illegal entry and are being held in Imphal city jail.
