Canceling The Ban, India Accepts Citizen Refugees And Defected Myanmar Police

The border between Myanmar (left) and India (right) is split by the Tiau River (Wikimedia Commons / Ericwinny)

JAKARTA - The Manipur State Authority, India canceled their order regarding the eviction of Myanmar citizens who fled from the Sagaing Region Guest on Saturday last week, according to the Imphal Free Press.

On March 26, the internal affairs authorities in Manipur issued instructions not to provide assistance to Myanmar nationals fleeing to India, following the February 1 military coup.

However, on March 30 the Manipur Government's Special Interior Secretary said the previous order had been misinterpreted and had decided to revoke the previous letter to avoid misunderstanding.

"The state government has taken all humanitarian measures, including bringing the injured Myanmar citizen to Imphal for treatment. The state government continues to provide all assistance," said Special Secretary Gyan Prakash, as reported by The Irrawaddy of Imphal Free Press.

A guest resident said that on March 29 the Manipur authorities accepted the parents, children and those holding valid identity cards.

"They accept parents and children. It seems they accept those with Myanmar ID cards and those with contacts in Manipur. But they do not accept many people who have no contact in India. Some people from Chin village on the border have fled. "But the village youths cannot escape," he said.

A civilian was killed and seven others injured in Tamu during the Myanmar military regime's crackdown on anti-regime protesters on March 25 and 26.

"In my opinion, the Guest residents still do not need to evacuate their homes. The situation here is not as bad as elsewhere. Running away can cause fear and can lead to further exodus. I am participating in protests. I can run away but not yet. I want to invite the public. to support each other, "said one Guest resident.

Meanwhile, Mizoram State authorities, India, provided protection for hundreds of police who had defected on strike, government employees and civilians.

On March 21, Chief Minister Mizoram Pu Zoramthanga held talks with Acting Foreign Minister Daw Zin Mar Aung of the Myanmar Parliamentary Representative Committee (CROH). Chief minister Mizoram also urged the Indian government to help Myanmar citizens fleeing to India.

It is known that Manipur and Mizoram are two of the four Indian states that share a border with Myanmar, allowing easy movement of people and goods.

Refugees fleeing a military crackdown on Myanmar's pro-democracy protesters have also started fleeing to Thailand.

The government there said the people would be accepted on humanitarian grounds. But a Thai official at the border, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the army was still sending most of it back because it was deemed safe on the other side.

Nevertheless, more than a dozen people were allowed to cross into Thailand on Tuesday for medical treatment, a Reuters witness said.

Myanmar Coup. The VOI editorial team continues to monitor the political situation in one of the ASEAN member countries. Casualties from civilians continue to fall. Readers can follow the news surrounding the Myanmar military coup by tapping on this link.