Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 22
The influx of refugees fleeing the military junta in Myanmar is turning into a foreign policy concern for South Block after Mizoram appeared to be defying the Centre's directives in that regard.
After writing a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow political asylum to refugees from Myanmar, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga held a virtual meeting with Myanmar's Foreign Minister-in-exile Zin Mar Aung, who is opposed to the military regime.
Holds virtual meet with FM-in-exile
- Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga held a virtual meeting with Myanmar's Foreign Minister-in-exile Zin Mar Aung
- He says Chin refugees are 'ethnically our Mizo brethren' and therefore Mizoram cannot remain indifferent to their suffering
- India cannot turn a blind eye to this humanitarian crisis unfolding 'in front of us in our own backyard', he maintains
Zoramthanga wrote in the letter that Chin refugees were "ethnically our Mizo brethren" and "therefore Mizoram cannot remain indifferent to their suffering today. India cannot turn a blind eye to this humanitarian crisis unfolding right in front of us in our own backyard".
This militates against the Centre's policy of asking all bordering states and security forces to prevent the influx and deport those who have come in since the coup.
In the letter, the Mizoram CM said the Union Home Ministry's advisory to deport the refugees was not acceptable. While he understands that some foreign policy issues require India to "proceed cautiously", "we cannot ignore this humanitarian crisis", he said.
Zoramthanga's Mizo National Front has extended issue-based support to the Modi government.
Intelligence reports say the security forces did push back some refugees, but the state has stepped in to provide shelter to some of them that may compel more of their compatriots in Myanmar to follow suit.
from The Tribune https://ift.tt/3cV1vLr
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