Mizoram Home Minister Cracks Down on Refugees Engaging in Illicit Trade

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Aizawl, Mizoram - The state's Home Minister, K. Sapdanga, has issued a stern warning to refugees sheltering in Mizoram against engaging in illicit trade activities. The government has taken notice of several instances where refugees have been conducting small-scale businesses in violation of the law. According to Sapdanga, authorities are actively investigating these cases and have made several arrests, with some individuals facing serious legal charges. The Home Minister emphasized that the government is taking a firm stance on this issue, particularly given the vulnerable status of the refugees. Mizoram currently hosts over 38,000 refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as internally displaced people from neighboring Manipur. While the government has plans for designated settlements or relief camps, implementing these plans has proven challenging due to the scattered nature of the refugees. The majority of the refugees are ethnic Zo communities who share close ethnic and cultural ties with the Mizos. Many fled to Mizoram due to extreme fear and hardship, and are now struggling to find suitable accommodations. The Home Minister acknowledged that implementing designated settlements is a complex task that requires careful planning and consideration for the refugees' needs. The refugees from Myanmar fled to Mizoram following a military coup in February 2021, while the asylum seekers from Bangladesh arrived in 2022 after a military offensive against an ethnic insurgent group. The Kuki-Zomi-Hmar group from Manipur fled to Mizoram in May 2023 due to ethnic violence. As of February 5, 26,381 refugees from Myanmar have been enrolled in the state's biometric enrollment process, while 1,974 people remain to be registered. The government is working to ensure the well-being and safety of all refugees, while also taking steps to prevent illicit activities within the refugee community.