More than 8,100 children of refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur have been enrolled in government schools in Mizoram, according to the state’s Education Minister Lalchhandama Ralte. Mizoram is currently providing shelter and relief to around 35,000 refugees from Myanmar, over 1,000 from the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh, and over 12,600 internally-displaced people from Manipur due to ethnic violence.
Out of the 8,119 students enrolled in Mizoram schools, 6,366 are from Myanmar, 250 are from Bangladesh, and 1,503 are from Manipur. The Mizoram government is dedicated to providing education to these children who belong to the Zo tribes. They are given free school uniforms, textbooks, and mid-day meals just like the local students.
Since February 2021, around 35,000 Myanmar nationals, including children and women, have sought shelter in Mizoram after the military coup in Myanmar. Additionally, over 1,000 tribals have taken refuge in Mizoram after fleeing from their native villages in the CHT due to armed conflict between the Bangladesh Army and the Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA), also known as Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF). The KNA is an underground militant group demanding sovereignty for the Chin-Kukis residing in Rangamati and Bandarban districts of CHT to protect their tradition, culture, and livelihood.
The Mizoram government, along with various NGOs, the Young Mizo Association, churches, and villagers, provide food and shelter to the refugees. Many of them are housed in rented accommodations or with relatives.
