Mizoram urges Indian central government for critical funding as Myanmar refugee numbers stabilize near 30,000

Mizzima

Mizoram Home Minister K. Sapdanga has formally requested 5 million Rupees (over 200 million Myanmar kyats) from the Indian central government to provide emergency food and medical aid for Myanmar refugees currently sheltering in the state.

Speaking on 26 January, 2026, the minister highlighted the mounting strain on local resources, noting that while Mizo communities have provided steadfast support since the 2021 coup, the state requires urgent federal assistance to maintain basic nutrition and health standards for the displaced populations.

“The people of Mizoram have been supporting the refugees despite numerous challenges, but it is uncertain how long they can continue to do so, making central government assistance essential,” the Home Minister said.

After assuming office, the state received rice valued at 5 million Rupees and an additional 5 million Rupees in cash from the central government between 2014 and 2015 to aid the displaced; it is now seeking further assistance.

“The priority is food. With enough for nutrition and health, we can manage everything else. Rice, oil, and pulses make survival manageable. We received such aid once before, and if it is distributed again now, we would be grateful to the government,” an official at the Taizol IDP camp in Longley, India, told Mizzima.

Previously, the Indian government provided basic food supplies once, and camp leaders distributed roughly 50 kilograms of rice, pulses, and oil to each person equally among households, without any cash assistance, he said.

The Taizol camp currently houses nearly 700 people across 160 households. Most of the displaced are living outside the camps in search of work, while the elderly and women unable to work are being cared for by one another.

Mizoram Home Minister K. Sapdanga stated that the state hosts 28,964 Myanmar refugees across 11 districts, though the exact number remains uncertain due to ongoing arrivals and returns.

Aid agencies estimate the total refugee population could range from 50,000 to 60,000, including those living outside the camps and not officially registered with the Indian government. Following the military coup in Myanmar, Mizoram has seen a significant influx of refugees into the state.

Despite the central government’s directive against accepting refugees, the Mizoram government, along with religious and social organizations and local residents, has been providing shelter on humanitarian grounds.