Mizoram Delhi

1. Mizoram CM Lalduhoma’s first official visit to Delhi from Jan 3-5, 2024, emphasized diplomatic engagements.
2. Key meetings with PM Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar addressed refugee and displaced person issues.
3. Discussions centered on challenges from neighboring regions like Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur.

Aizawl, Jan 04: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s three-day visit to New Delhi, commencing on January 3, 2024, marked a significant diplomatic engagement, representing his first official trip to the national capital since assuming office in December 2023.

The visit was strategically planned to include key meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, focusing on pressing issues related to refugees and internally displaced persons from neighboring regions undergoing turmoil, such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur.

During the discussions with PM Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, Lalduhoma addressed several crucial matters, placing a particular emphasis on Mizoram’s role as a haven for those fleeing conflict and instability.

The state has notably provided shelter to over 31,300 individuals from Myanmar, primarily belonging to the Chin community, who share ethnic ties with the Mizos.

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Additionally, more than 1,000 members of the ethnic Bawm community sought refuge in Mizoram due to a military offensive in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh in November 2022. Moreover, an ethnic clash in Manipur in May 2023 resulted in over 9,000 internally displaced people finding sanctuary in Mizoram.

The financial burden on Mizoram due to these humanitarian crises was substantial.

Notably, the state government had previously sought financial assistance of Rs 10 crore from the Centre to support the internally displaced people from Manipur.

However, the response from the central government was still pending at the time of Lalduhoma’s visit.

These meetings between Chief Minister Lalduhoma and India’s top officials held paramount importance, not only in addressing the refugee situation but also as an opportunity for the newly appointed leader to forge connections and discuss broader issues crucial to Mizoram’s welfare and its regional geopolitical standing.

The outcome of these discussions would likely influence Mizoram’s future role in handling humanitarian challenges and contributing to regional stability.