Myanmar refugees sheltering in India’s Mizoram State have expressed support for new regulations introduced by the influential Mizoram Youth Association, which include the deportation of any refugees found guilty of crimes such as drug trafficking.
According to a report aired by All India Radio (Aizawl) on 27 July, the association has issued a directive requiring Myanmar nationals in the state to abide by local laws. Among the key points is the provision that individuals involved in drug-related offenses will be arrested, imprisoned, and subsequently sent back to Myanmar.
“We are guests here, so we must respect their rules. If we can’t, then we shouldn’t be here,” said a male refugee, who emphasized that those abiding by the law have nothing to fear. He added that the drug-related activities of a few individuals have damaged the reputation of the broader refugee community.
Another refugee said repeat drug offenders often return to trafficking shortly after being released.
“They just go back to it again and again. Deporting them might be the only way to stop this cycle,” another refugee said.
The Mizoram Youth Association has also prohibited the establishment of new religious organizations and ethnic-based groups by refugees. It further requires them to register with local youth branches and submit their identification cards. Refugees must also seek permission before relocating to different areas.
Refugees are additionally banned from engaging in businesses that require government permits and are not allowed to own houses or land. A female refugee expressed understanding of these rules and said they are necessary to maintain harmony with the host communities.
There are growing concerns among refugees over negative perceptions caused by the rising flow of illicit drugs from Myanmar. Mizoram, where alcohol sales are officially prohibited, has ramped up its anti-drug efforts.
In the border district of Champhai, authorities seized nearly 17 kilograms of heroin and more than 90 kilograms of methamphetamine pills between 1 July and 25 July, according to official anti-narcotics data.
Since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, more than 30,000 people from Myanmar have taken refuge in Mizoram, according to figures released by the state government.
