Mizzima-July 30
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has warned that strict action will be taken against Myanmar refugees in the state if they violate Indian laws, according to a report by Vanglaini on 27 June. The remarks were made during a meeting with Surinder Bhagat, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of External Affairs, at the Chief Minister’s office on 26 June. “Some have entered the country respectfully and follow the rules, but those who misuse their political status as an excuse to break the law will be dealt with severely,” the Chief Minister said. He also stated that Myanmar National Registration Cards should be retained as a form of guarantee for the duration of refugees’ stay in India. The most common violations are related to drug and alcohol offenses. Refugees have been urged not only to avoid such activities but to participate in efforts to combat them. On 20 June, the Central Committee of the Young Mizo Association (CYMA), Mizoram’s most influential civil society organization, met with Myanmar parliamentarians, IDP camp leaders, and aid workers, and issued a strong warning. The CYMA stressed that Myanmar refugees are not entitled to Indian identity documents such as residence permits, voter cards, or driving licenses. They further stated that strict action would be taken against displaced individuals involved in illegal activities, particularly drug trafficking. On the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked on 26 June, several Mizoram districts launched a crackdown on narcotics smuggled from Myanmar into Champhai district between June 2024 and April 2025. Drugs worth over Rs 117 billion were seized and destroyed, including nearly 25 kg of heroin, more than 249 kg of methamphetamine, and over 25 kg of crystal methamphetamine. Mizoram is a dry state where the sale of alcohol is officially banned. According to local sources, Mizo youth groups have deported several Myanmar nationals for contributing to alcohol and drug-related issues, particularly in Champhai township. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, at least 32,429 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge in Mizoram since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar. Read more at: https://eng.mizzima.com/2025/06/30/23918
