Aizawl, July 23: Mizoram Home Minister Pu K. Sapdanga on Thursday said the state needs to carefully consider how to respond to people fleeing from the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh, including both Zo ethnic groups and non-Zo communities, amid reports of growing insecurity in the region.
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| Mizoram Home Minister Pu K. Sapdanga. (File Photo) |
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar organised by The Zozam Times at the IPR Auditorium in Aizawl, the Home Minister said the changing situation in the Bangladesh Hill Tracts has raised important humanitarian and security concerns that require thoughtful policy decisions.
The seminar was held on the theme "The Impact of Ongoing Tribal Persecution in Bangladesh on Mizoram and the Chittagong Accord."
Addressing the gathering, Sapdanga said many indigenous tribal communities living in the hill tracts of Bangladesh have reportedly been displaced from their traditional settlements due to security concerns and demographic changes. He stated that many members of these communities have fled to neighbouring areas, including Mizoram, seeking safety.
The Home Minister said the influx has included not only members of Zo ethnic communities but also people from other tribal groups, including Chakmas and Brus, who have also sought refuge. He noted that churches have extended humanitarian assistance to those in need, while voluntary organisations and political parties have also supported relief efforts, keeping the state's security concerns in mind.
"At the same time, we need to seriously consider how Mizoram should respond not only to Zo ethnic groups but also to those who are not part of the Zo community. The government, too, must give careful thought to this issue," Sapdanga said.
He stressed that balancing humanitarian responsibilities with security considerations would be crucial as the state formulates its approach to people arriving from across the international border.
Also speaking at the seminar, Lalmuanpuia Punte, Adviser to the Chief Minister (Political), highlighted the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding the people entering Mizoram from Bangladesh.
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He said a clear understanding of the situation faced by communities in neighbouring regions and the reasons behind their movement into Mizoram is essential for developing informed policies and ensuring an appropriate response.
Punte commended the organisers for hosting the seminar, saying discussions on developments in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and their potential impact on Mizoram were both timely and necessary.
The seminar brought together participants to discuss the implications of the situation in the Bangladesh Hill Tracts, including humanitarian concerns, regional security, and the relevance of the Chittagong Accord in the current context. The discussions underscored the need for continued dialogue and policy planning as Mizoram addresses the challenges arising from developments along its international border.
