11 ‘Myanmar cops’ crossed over to India’s Mizoram since military coup: official

SUNDAY, March 07, 2021

Eleven people stated to be policemen of Myanmar have crossed over to bordering northeastern Indian state of Mizoram since the military coup in the neighbouring country, a senior Indian official said today.

The figure of refugees from Myanmar could increase from 16 people at present as many people are attempting to sneak into Mizoram through the porous border, a Mizoram Home Department official said on condition of anonymity.

The 16 people include three women and as many children, our New Delhi correspondent reports, quoting the official.

The official said the Mizoram authorities on Thursday informed the Indian government about the situation and possible influx of more refugees from Myanmar.

"Of the 16 foreign nationals, 11 including a woman claimed they were police personnel of Myanmar. They possessed Myanmar citizen identity cards but it is hard to verify whether they belong to the police force or not," the official said.

The Mizoram government also sought financial assistance from the Centre to deal with a possible refugee crisis, he said.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga said his government will provide relief to the people of Myanmar who took refuge in the state because of the present political situation in that country.

Two of the "policemen" have fled and crossed the border along with their wives and children, he said.

Mizoram is home to thousands of Myanmar''s Chin community people who share the same culture and ancestry as the Mizos of Mizoram.

The military junta in Myanmar took over the government on February 1 but it appears that people started fleeing the country only after the authorities began to use force to quell pro-democracy protests late that month, an official said.

Four people who are currently staying in Champhai district were the first to reach Mizoram on February 28. The other 12 crossed the border and took refuge in the state later. They are now sheltered in Serchhip and Hnahthial districts.

Six districts of Mizoram -- Champhai, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Siaha, Serchhip and Saitual -- share a 510km long porous border with Myanmar.

Assam Rifles Deputy Inspector General Digvijay Singh on Thursday said that the force was directed not to allow any illegal entry from the neighbouring country.