We The People: Young Mizo Association Sets Up Relief Camps For Refugees

Ever since the February 2021 military coup overthrew Myanmar’s democratic government and began ruthlessly suppressing its supporters, executing activists and burning down houses, Mizoram opened its arms to Chin refugees from across the border. Around 30,000 refugees have since been staying in camps across 11 districts of Mizoram, and are finding a new home in Mizoram that shares a similar topographic and demographic profile with Myanmar, thanks to the Young Mizo Association (YMA), a civil society organisation of the state.

YMA general secretary Professor Lalnuntluanga says the motto of this organisation, established by Christian missionaries in 1935, is to help the needy irrespective of their religion, citizenship, and mother tongue. “When the refugees first started arriving, our members helped them with food and shelter. But when the influx continued, we set up refugee camps and provided them medical care, even during the peak Covid-19 period.” The YMA raised funds across Mizoram, and enabled its branches in Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura, to do the same. “There are many Chin diaspora in US, Canada, Australia and other places. We have managed to get them on board to help the victims.”

The communities of Mizoram are mostly engaged in shift cultivation. Just before New Year, land for shift cultivation is allotted to groups of farmers through a lucky draw. “Right now, many refugees are engaged in farming and have started earning money. Some of them have left the relief camps and started living in rented houses,” Lalnuntluanga adds.

Taking special care of women and children, the YMA has been helping in maintaining hygiene and sanitation at the relief camps. The professor says around 2,000-2,500 refugee children are studying in the state’s schools. YMA has a membership of over 4 lakh in Mizoram. Notably, the organisation is working towards the helping Bru refugees in neighbouring Tripura as well.

(This appeared in the print edition as "Youth Power")

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