Despite not getting any support from the centre, Mizoram- a tiny mountain range in the North-Eastern Indian state, has been feeding more than 14,000 Myanmar nationals for the last 9 months who have currently taken shelter in the state following the military coup in their country in February this year.

According to the reports, more than 14000 Myanmar nationals, including many children from Myanmar’s Chin state have crossed over to Mizoram following the military coup in their country in February this year and they are currently taking shelter in different parts of the state.

Meanwhile, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi and requested him again to be sympathetic to the Myanmar refugees who are currently taking shelter in the state.

During the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s office in the Parliament building on Tuesday afternoon, the two leaders discussed various issues concerning the state and its developmental needs. The Mizoram Chief Minister also asked the Prime Minister to render possible assistance to the distraught people.

Earlier in September, the Mizoram Chief Minister had sent a letter to the Prime Minister seeking humanitarian assistance for Myanmar refugees.

Mizoram Home Minister Lalchamliana told Aajtak/India Today TV over the phone that more than 14,000 Myanmar nationals including many children are currently taking shelter in different districts of the state.

“More than 10 MPs and MLAs from the neighbouring country are also taking shelter in the state. Our government has been continuously requesting the centre to provide humanitarian assistance.

Apart from the Chief Minister, Mizoram’s lone Lok Sabha MP C Lalrosanga also called on Home Secretary (Border Management), Additional Home Secretary (North East) and External Affairs Ministry urging assistance to the Myanmar refugees,” said Lalchamliana.

He also said that the majority of the Myanmar nationals are currently lodged in relief camps set up by villagers, NGOs, civil society groups.

“The administration of different districts, NGOs, civil society groups are providing them with food, clothes, medicines etc,” said Lalchaliana.

According to the Mizoram government, out of these Myanmar nationals, a maximum number of people are in Chaphai and Lawngtlai districts and around 7200 Myanmar nationals are taking shelter alone in Champhai district.

On the other hand, the Mizoram government has enrolled around 2000 Myanmar kids in schools in different districts of the state.

A senior official of the Mizoram Education department said that a responsible government cannot ignore the right to education and future of children.

“Around 2000 Myanmar students, including 965 girls, have been enrolled in the schools from pre-primary to Class 12. The State Education Department has also provided books and other necessary items for these kids,” the official said.

On the other hand, the district administration has also taken up initiatives to administer COVID-19 vaccines to the Myanmar refugees in the state.

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