Toe Lay
Mizzima News
July 31, 2003

Burmese migrants and workers are being repatriated on mass from the Indian State of Mizoram.

According to reports yesterday, some 1320 Burmese migrants have reached the border where the Burmese authorities have been granting entry. The migrants are required to display their national identity card and those without identification are given fines on the spot.

The mass repatriation of Burmese migrants and workers from the Indian state of Mizoram has followed a rape case committed by a Burmese migrant against a nine (9) year old Mizo girl on July 17. The recent rumour of the death of the victim in the rape case was found to have been a hoax.

"The time that Burmese people are being given to leave Mizoram varies depending on the locality. Some regions have been granting five (5) days as a dead-line to leave, and others a little more. Weavers have been given August (20) as their last date. The harshest deadline is in Chandmari where the incident took place. They must leave by tonight." said U Thant Sein, an Aizawl based M.P from constituency No.(1) of Pa Le Township, Sagaing Division of Burma. It is reported that a final date to leave has been set as (15) August for Burmese migrants in Lunglei.

Burmese pro-democracy activist are relieved at the repatriation exemption granted to other Burmese migrants. Photographs and identity cards of the (48) pro-democracy activists recognized by the former state government were collected and were sent to the Chief Minister's office, the District Police Station, the Home Ministry and the Deputy Commissioner's office. Only members who possess the said identity cards are permitted to continue stay in the state. Additionally, Burmese born Indians are not affected by the repatriation programme.

A Burmese weaver, speaking on condition of anonymity, said only a quarter of the total amount of Burmese weavers remain in Mizoram, while the rest of the weavers have already been repatriated. He also said that a social organisation named the Zomi Reunification Organisation (ZORO), in Zemabawk of Aizawl, had started a camp for the disabled and for people who cannot afford to return to Burma. As per yesterday's statistics there are around (30) people in the camp.

U Thant Sein, in relation to the work permits held by Burmese workers, said "The Mizo Weaving-House Owners' Union suggested that the State Government issue Burmese weavers with a work permit, which would be for (6) months or (1) year, and they could renew their permits as they expire. Otherwise it would mean a great loss for the Weaving-House Owners".

The repatriation orders are being given by the Young Mizo Association (Y.M.A) and the Mizoram District Council (M.D.C), as the State Government is currently busy with it's monthly financial accounting matters.

Burmese migrants in Mizoram have always performed unskilled tasks such as road construction, woodcutting, taxi driving, electronic repairs, waitering, broking, bus drivering and other forms of physical labor.