In a significant diplomatic move, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma embarked on a three-day visit to New Delhi on January 3rd, 2024. This marked his inaugural official trip to the national capital since assuming power in December 2023. The visit was strategically planned, with a meticulously crafted itinerary that included high-profile meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Central to the discussions were pressing issues surrounding refugees and internally displaced persons originating from neighboring regions grappling with political turmoil. Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur, in particular, were in focus during the talks. Mizoram has been a refuge for those fleeing conflict and instability, with over 31,300 individuals from Myanmar finding shelter in the state after the military coup in February 2021. Notably, the majority of these refugees belonged to the Chin community, sharing ethnic ties with the Mizos.
Moreover, Mizoram extended its humanitarian support to over 1,000 members of the ethnic Bawm community, who sought safety in the state following a military offensive in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh in November 2022. Another wave of displacement occurred in May 2023 when an ethnic clash in Manipur led to more than 9,000 internally displaced people seeking refuge in Mizoram.
The financial strain on Mizoram due to these humanitarian crises was substantial. The state government had previously requested Rs 10 crore in financial assistance from the Centre to aid the internally displaced people from Manipur. However, the response from the central government was still pending at the time of Lalduhoma’s visit.
The meetings between Chief Minister Lalduhoma and India’s top officials were not only crucial for addressing the immediate refugee situation but also served as a platform for discussions on broader issues pertinent to Mizoram’s welfare. The financial assistance request underscored the urgency of support required to alleviate the strain on the state’s resources.
Beyond the refugee crisis, the visit provided an opportunity for the newly appointed Chief Minister to establish rapport and discuss Mizoram’s role in the regional geopolitical landscape. These discussions are essential for fostering cooperation, ensuring stability, and addressing challenges that transcend state boundaries.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s diplomatic endeavor in New Delhi was a pivotal step in navigating the complex issues of refugees and regional dynamics. The outcomes of these discussions are anticipated to have a lasting impact not only on Mizoram’s immediate challenges but also on its broader position in the regional political scenario.
