Mizoram update

[aungsan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

News on Burmese refugees in Mizoram State of India
 
8/14/96
 
There are many Burmese nationals taking refuge in India since 
1988(#1) . Manipur and Mizoram States are where all Burmese people 
entered India. Since 1990, students started moving to Delhi to seek 
UNHCR recognition. So far 300 plus are holding UNHCR 
certificates. About 30 are still under consideration. Some recognized 
refugees went back to the border areas after receiving the lump-sum 
grant from UNHCR from Delhi.
 
In Mizoram, apart from the immigrant workers(#2) , there are three 
categories of Burmese: (1) UNHCR certificate holders(#3) , (2) those 
who do not seek UNHCR protection and assistance(#4) and (3) those 
who have under-ground activities. For the Chin ethnic people from 
Burma, Mizoram has been alternative soil to reside for decades.   
 
Mizos, the people of Mizoram, like other tribal people from the 
North-East States of India are reluctant to cope with the people of 
different blood. Non-Mizo sentiment is embedded in their mind till 
today.
 
  Recently, the situation in Mizoram becomes tense. 
Misunderstanding between an anti-SLORC(#5) armed group(#6) and 
the host government provoked the problem. Not long ago, a 
couple of clashes took place near the border. Since then local 
government was pressured by local political parties and 
associations like YMA(#7) . About 100 people, both Burmese and 
Chins were detained or interrogated currently in Aizawl. The 
police warned them to leave Mizoram before 13th August 1996 
otherwise would be pushed back to Burma.
 
  Accordingly, by 8/12/96, all members of the NLD/LA(#8) and 
ABSDF(#9) had left Aizawl. A few students(#10) and Dr. Zahleithang, 
an elected MP(#11) from Chin State remained there. Dr. 
Zahleithang tried to appeal the government of Mizoram by 
meeting the Ministers and local authorities. Those who are 
residing in Delhi also make an effort to raise the issue to the 
notice of the Central government and human-rights organizations(#12).
 
  On 13-8-96 at 7:30 p.m., Dr. Zahleithang was taken into 
custody by CID, Mizoram police while he was in his residence 
at Zoin street, Israel point, Barabazar, Aizawl. He and his 
family are holding the UNHCR certificate, BU-85. His wife is 
left there. Their two sons are studying out of Aizawl. 
 
Tint Swe
Member of Parliament (Burma) 
Tel/Fax: +91 11 550-6715
E-Mail c/o FTUB (WB) <aungsan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
* This morning Dr. Zahleithang told his wife that there were 
indications of expulsion.
 
Note.
-----
#1.  When the present regime seized the power after killing thousand of 
pro-democracy demonstrators.
#2.  80% of all hand-loom workers in Mizoram are from Burma. 
#3.  Students apart from ABSDF and some members of the NLD/LA.
#4.  Mostly from the ABSDF.
#5.  State Law and Order Restoration Council, the military junta of Burma.
#6.  CNA, Chin National Army
#7.  Young Mizo Association.
#8.  National League for Democracy/ Liberated Area. Some of them are 
holding UNHCR certificates.
#9.  All Burma Students Democratic Front.
#10  From the ABSL group.
#11  There are five Burmese MPs seek asylum in India.
#12  Dr. Tint Swe wrote letters to Home and External Affairs Ministers. 
And put up the issue to Amnesty 
     International, Human-rights Watch, and the UNHCR.

P.S

According to news from Aizawl, there are only two activists left in Aizawl.
Local time (12:00) noon.