How is Mizoram Handling the Refugee Crisis?

Context: Refugee Influx from Myanmar

• Since February 2021, Myanmar has witnessed a military coup, triggering a civil war and ethnic conflicts.
• Over 40,000 refugees have crossed into Mizoram, especially from the Chin State of Myanmar, with recent influxes seen in Champhai district.
• The latest wave (July 2025) brought ~4,000 more refugees due to clashes between two anti-junta armed groups:
  • Chin National Defence Force (CNDF)
  • Chinland Defence Force-Hualngohm (CDF-H)

Relevance : GS-2 – Polity and Governance; refugee management, Centre-State relations, and internal security.

Why Mizoram?

• Ethnic Affinity: The refugees (Chins) share ethnic ties with Mizos; culturally and linguistically similar.
• Geographic Proximity: Chin State borders Mizoram; proximity to the conflict zones enables easier crossing.
• Humanitarian Tradition: Mizoram has historically sheltered fleeing ethnic groups from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Manipur (Kuki-Zos).

Timeline of Refugee Movements & Policy Evolution

1. Historic Background

• 1968–2004: Free Movement Regime (FMR) allowed cross-border travel up to 16 km; it was reduced from 40 km in 2004.
• 2016: FMR regulated; further restrictions imposed.
• 2024: MHA announced FMR suspension citing security concerns.

2. Post-2021 Influx

• Massive inflow post-coup; Chin National Army lost ground to pro-democracy forces → civilians fled.
• As of July 6, 2025:
  • 3,890 Myanmar nationals recorded in Zokhawthar
  • Spread across Zokhawthar, Khawmawi, Saisihnuam

Central vs State Dynamics

• Civil society and organisations like Young Mizo Association (YMA), Churches, and student bodies have provided significant ground-level support.
• Refugee management is mostly local, decentralized, and supported by donations and voluntary contributions.

Legal and Administrative Framework

• India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol.
• No national refugee law — refugees are treated under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
• Lack of clear refugee identification and rights creates legal ambiguity.
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) retains control over international migration; states have limited jurisdiction.

Ground-Level Realities in Mizoram

• Displacement hubs: Champhai, Zokhawthar, and border towns have seen the highest numbers.
• Living conditions:
  • Improvised shelters, local integration, school access (in some cases), but high dependency on aid.
• Security risks:
  • Intelligence reports warn about armed groups’ presence.
  • Border militarisation may affect India-Myanmar ties.

Broader Strategic Implications

• Domestic
• Strains Centre-State relations on federal responsibilities in managing cross-border migration.
• Highlights need for refugee protection law balancing national security and humanitarian obligations.

• Regional
• Border policy inconsistency impacts ties with Myanmar, especially with changes in junta control.
• Rising refugee influx from Bangladesh (Rohingyas), Myanmar (Chins), and Manipur (Kuki-Zos) reflects worsening stability in the Eastern neighborhood.

Key Policy Recommendations

1. Codify a National Refugee Law:
   1. Define refugee status
   2. Lay down rights and responsibilities
   3. Establish standard operating procedures

• Institutional Coordination:
  • Create joint task forces between MHA and northeastern states for managing cross-border flows.
• Reinstate a Humanitarian FMR-lite:
  • Controlled, tech-monitored travel for cross-border ethnic kin during crises.
• Leverage International Aid:
  • Coordinate with UNHCR/ASEAN for refugee assistance, without compromising sovereignty
• Invest in Border State Capacities:
  • Infrastructure, healthcare, digital ID systems for refugees, and local employment schemes.

Key Numbers (as of July 2025)