Mizoram Home Minister K. Sapdanga has emphasized the need for a careful consideration of the state government’s response to the growing influx of refugees from the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh into Mizoram. This comes as both Zo and non-Zo people flee from the CHT into the state.
Sapdanga made the remarks while speaking at a seminar on the theme, “The Impact of the Ongoing Conflict in Bangladesh’s Tribal Areas on Mizoram and the Chittagong Accord,” organized by The Zozam Times at the IPR Auditorium. The Home Minister highlighted that the deteriorating security situation in the CHT has compelled many residents to leave their homes and seek refuge in Mizoram.
According to Sapdanga, many Zo communities living in the CHT have been forced to flee due to Muslim settlers increasingly moving into their areas and seeking to occupy their land. Chakmas and Brus were also among those fleeing the violence. Churches, civil society organisations, and political parties have extended humanitarian assistance to those in need, while keeping the state’s security concerns in mind.
The Home Minister emphasized the need for a considered policy response from the government, saying, “At a time like this, we need to seriously consider how both Zo and non-Zo refugees from Bangladesh should be received. The government, too, must give careful thought to the issue.”
The seminar aimed to encourage discussions among the government, community organisations, churches, and civil society on how best to address the evolving situation. Adviser to the Chief Minister (Political) Lalmuanpuia Punte also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of understanding the circumstances of communities living in neighbouring regions and the reasons behind their movement into Mizoram.
The seminar was attended by representatives of political parties, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the Mizo Students’ Union (MSU), tribal student organisations, students’ unions from various colleges, researchers, and members of the media.
