The Indian central government has sent rice to assist war refugees, including Myanmar citizens, in Mizoram State, according to All India Radio’s broadcast on 24 November, citing the Mizoram government’s Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department.
The first shipment, comprising 1,379.34 metric tonnes of rice valued at Rs 5 crore, has reached warehouses in 11 districts where displaced people are residing. This aid will be distributed by district administrators following orders from Mizoram’s Ministry of Home Affairs. Each refugee is allocated 31.5 kilograms of rice as part of the initial distribution guidelines.
“The rice has arrived, and it has already been distributed in five districts. We are deeply grateful for the efforts of the state government and the support from the central government,” said Pur Zoe War, representative of the Network for Unity Association Mizoram (NUA).
He expressed hope that such assistance would provide long-term relief to refugees. He also encouraged Myanmar refugees to respect local laws and live harmoniously with Mizoram’s residents, highlighting the importance of upholding the government’s recognition of their plight.
The NUA, established in June 2023, is a coalition of 13 organizations supporting displaced individuals in Mizoram. It works alongside local social groups and government officials to provide assistance.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mizoram is currently home to 43,788 displaced persons, including 33,764 from Myanmar, 2,014 from Bangladesh, and 8,010 from Manipur.
An in-charge from Tai Zol camp in Lunglei district, which houses approximately 800 people, confirmed they had yet to receive the rice.
“We are grateful for the generosity, regardless of the amount. This aid is a blessing,” the camp in-charge said.
Camp residents survive on daily wage jobs, such as guarding and cleaning, while also relying on donations from volunteers.
The Indian central government initially refused to accept refugees and ordered four border states to return them following the military coup in Myanmar. However, analysts note a shift in India’s stance. While India maintains ties with Myanmar’s junta, it has also begun engaging with the National Unity Government (NUG) and other resistance forces, providing limited assistance to displaced persons along the Myanmar-India border.
This dual approach reflects India’s attempt to balance regional security concerns with humanitarian considerations amid the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.
