Imphal, Aug 25: In a region marked by ethnic complexities and ongoing conflict, the plight of Myanmar refugees has taken a significant turn. Since violence erupted in Manipur in May, nearly 600 Myanmar nationals who had sought refuge in the Indian states of Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland have chosen to return to their homeland.
This surprising development raises questions about the factors influencing their decision and the broader implications for this vulnerable population.
The mass exodus of approximately 40,000 Myanmar nationals from their homes began in 2021, as they sought to escape the military’s bombings and raids under the new military rulers. These refugees found temporary shelter in the Indian states mentioned above, looking for safety and respite from the turmoil in Myanmar.
Among these refugees, around 600 had taken shelter in Tengnoupal, a district in Manipur with a significant Kuki population. However, they decided to return to Myanmar, fearing attacks from the Meiteis, another ethnic group in Manipur. The Meiteis argue that the ongoing violence is a consequence of the presence of “illegal migrants” and “narco terrorists” from Myanmar.
The decision of these refugees to return can be attributed to multiple factors. First, they may have perceived a reduced threat from the Myanmar military, which had withdrawn from their villages. Second, the volatile situation in Manipur, marked by increasing anger against Myanmar nationals, could have influenced their choice. The ongoing violence in Manipur, fueled by tensions between the Meiteis and Kukis, may have further driven them away.
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Manipur shares a border with Myanmar’s Chin state and Sagaing region, making it a crucial location for these refugees. Approximately 3,000 Myanmar nationals still seek shelter in Manipur’s Kuki-dominated hill districts, with the Kukis offering support due to shared ethnic ties with Myanmar’s Chins. However, the Meiteis claim that these “illegal migrants” have occupied forest lands, engaged in poppy cultivation, and contributed to drug smuggling.
The clashes between the Meiteis and Kukis since May 3 have resulted in over 160 casualties and displaced over 60,000 individuals. The Meiteis have been vocal in their opposition to “illegal migrants” from Myanmar and Bangladesh‘s Chittagong Hill Tracts. In response, the Manipur government instructed the Assam Rifles to intensify border vigilance to prevent further influx.
The border between Manipur and Myanmar, stretching 390 kilometers of the total 1,634-kilometer border, remains mostly unfenced, enabling illegal activities. Assam Rifles is tasked with guarding this porous border. To address the situation, the Manipur and Mizoram governments began collecting biometric data from Myanmar nationals under the Ministry of Home Affairs’ directive. This data will be included in a “negative biometric list,” preventing them from acquiring Indian citizenship.
This situation has involved around 50 Members of Parliament and nearly 40,000 Myanmar nationals, including members of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, who have sought shelter since the military coup in February 2021. Most of these refugees have found refuge in Mizoram, where the state government, community organizations, and churches have provided assistance. Mizoram’s ethnic ties with Myanmar’s Chins have eased their integration.
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga had previously rejected the Indian government’s directive to repatriate the refugees, citing their shared ethnicity and the humanitarian crisis. This position underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for a balanced approach.
Despite the challenges, many Myanmar refugees in Mizoram hope to return home once democracy is restored. They look to India to play a pivotal role in supporting this process.
The return of Myanmar refugees from Manipur amid ongoing unrest is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors, including perceived security improvements in Myanmar and the volatile situation in Manipur.
It underscores the complexity of refugee situations and the importance of humanitarian considerations in addressing them. As the region navigates these challenges, the hope for a peaceful resolution and the eventual return of these refugees to a democratic Myanmar remains a shared aspiration.
