Myanmar refugees warned of security risks as protests escalate in New Delhi

Mizzima

Myanmar community leaders have urged refugees residing in New Delhi to exercise heightened vigilance as education-related protests continue to escalate in the city.

The anti-government protests, led by affected students and opposition groups, erupted following the cancellation of exam results amid allegations of a question paper leak in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG 2026). Protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Clashes with police broke out on 20 July as demonstrators attempted to march toward the Indian Parliament as its session commenced; security forces blocked roads and dispersed the crowds. Opposition Congress Party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were separately detained on 21 July while leading a sit-in protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak.

“As protests intensify and political tensions rise, Myanmar refugees in Delhi must exercise extreme caution. We urge them to avoid protest sites and steer clear of crowds as much as possible,” a Myanmar community representative told Mizzima.

According to current reports, tensions remain high between protesters and security forces in central New Delhi, particularly near Parliament, India Gate, Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar, Patel Chowk, and Janpath. With at least five downtown metro stations temporarily closed, the representative urged refugees to avoid these areas.

If travel is essential, he advised refugees to carry their UNHCR identification cards, inform family or friends of their whereabouts, and check ahead for road closures and security updates from local authorities.

Despite the ongoing unrest, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has not yet issued any specific security advisories for Myanmar refugees.

The protests have reportedly spread to other states, and Indian media report that farmers from neighbouring Punjab state are marching to Delhi in solidarity with the students, potentially escalating the demonstrations further.

Approximately 12,000 Myanmar refugees reside in New Delhi. Without regular assistance from the Indian government or UNHCR, they support themselves through work in restaurants, daily-wage labour, small factories, and translation services.