Myanmar refugees in Mizoram support deportation of criminal offenders

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.