Mizoram State Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga passionately called for a humanitarian approach towards the incident and appealed for providing them refuge after the Assam Rifles, a central paramilitary force responsible for border security in India's Manipur State, compelled over 700 war-displaced people from Myanmar to leave.

A devastating clash erupted between the Military Council and the local People's Defense Force (PDF) in Khampat Township, Sagaing Region on July 22nd, compelling over 3000 residents to flee their homes. Out of them, 718 sought refuge in New Lajang village, located in Chandel District of Manipur state, India. However, their hope for safety was short-lived, as they were subsequently chased away from the village by the Indian Military and Assam Rifles.

Mizoram's Chief Minister, Pu Zoramthanga, drew attention to the historic precedent set in 1971, when millions of Pakistanis were granted asylum in India's West Bengal State, and passionately appealed for extending the same humanitarian act to the Myanmar war-displaced people currently seeking refuge in Manipur. He urged that they be provided with shelter and food as a compassionate response to their dire situation.

"I have two uncles who lived in Myanmar throughout their lives, which establishes close blood relations with the Myanmar side. Just as the Indian government assisted millions of Pakistanis as refugees in the past, we should not hesitate to provide food and aid to the displaced people from Myanmar. It's a duty we must fulfill”, Pu Zoramthanga said.

The Indian central government has issued strict directives to the Assam Rifles to prevent any Myanmar migrants without valid documents from entering Manipur State.

Director Vineet Joshi of the Manipur State Government has given clear instructions to the Assam Rifles to conduct a comprehensive investigation and submit a detailed report regarding the 718 Myanmar war-displaced people who entered the state illegally across the border, according to local sources.

Among the Myanmar war-displaced people who were turned back upon reaching Manipur State, there are 301 children. These vulnerable individuals are currently seeking shelter in various villages within Tamu Township and are facing numerous challenges, including food shortages.

The influx of Myanmar war-displaced people seeking refuge in India due to the post-coup unrest and armed clashes has been steadily rising. Presently, more than 40000 Myanmar nationals have sought shelter in the Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram, as reported by the aid organizations.

Photo caption - Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga