How will Lalduhoma's ZPM deal with Mizoram's refugee crisis?

In recent months, particularly since the junta coup in neighboring Myanmar in February 2021, Mizoram has become a sanctuary for those fleeing violence. From Manipur, Myanmar, or Bangladesh, the North Eastern state has experienced an influx of refugees and Internally Displaced People (IDP) seeking shelter.

The state, led by Lalduhoma of the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), is about to take office. This means it will face challenges in accommodating approximately 12,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Manipur, around 50,000 refugees from Myanmar, and approximately 1,000 refugees from Bangladesh, escaping the troubled Chattogram tracts.

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Ethnic and political dynamics

• The outgoing Mizo National Front (MNF) government, under CM Zoramthanga, somewhat resisted the Center's call to repel the inflow from Myanmar's Chin state.

• The state government allocated funds for assisting Myanmar refugees.

• The Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) contributed around Rs 5 lakhs to support their needs such as food, shelter, education, and medical assistance.

• In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in May, CM Zoramthanga requested financial support of Rs 10 crore.

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• The Center maintained a somewhat distant stance, offering limited aid in kind.

• Despite this, the state has actively worked to alleviate the plight of these individuals.

• Lalduhoma, countering earlier claims, emphasizes that Mizoram's support extends beyond political affiliations, stating, "The conflict in Manipur and Myanmar won't only affect the MNF; all parties in Mizoram stand in solidarity with the Kuki-Zo victims."

Why?

The state's stance is attributed to the socio-ethnic connections shared among the people in the region. The Kuki-Zomis of Manipur and the Chin people from Myanmar share ethnic and social ties with the Mizos. Consequently, the outgoing CM positioned himself as the advocate for the displaced people. This led him to distance himself from the BJP-led NDA before the state elections on November 7.

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ZPM's approach

• Under Lalduhoma's leadership, Mizoram might witness continued efforts to address the needs of the displaced.
• Clement Lalhmingthanga, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and ZPM member criticised the Mizo National Front (MNF) for allegedly capitalising on the refugee issue without substantial government intervention.
• Lalduhoma, however, in a mellow tone had told The Hindu, "We welcome them here as our brothers, but since they are not citizens of India, they cannot forge documents, and authorities will have to take action."
• "Blood is thicker than water. The Church, the NGOs, all political parties, we all stand behind them," Lalduhoma told The Indian Express before the election.
• "The ZPM's campaign hasn't been anti-Myanmar refugee but pro-development, pro-change," an Aizawl-based officer told India Today, who wished to stay anonymous.
• The difference in stance of the new and the old government in Mizoram would be quite similar, given their affinity and affection.

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However, the most important thing that needs to be seen is how the new ZPM government take the matter up with the Centre, if at all. Another thing to note would be how deep Lalduhoma will allow the Centre to get into the matter when the BJP-led centre is yet to make substantial inroads in the North East.

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