Mizoram Receives Humanitarian Aid for Refugees and Displaced Persons

The Indian government has announced a new humanitarian assistance program for refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as displaced individuals from Manipur, in Mizoram. This initiative includes the distribution of free rice worth around Rs 5 crore, benefiting over 31,300 refugees and 7,000 displaced persons. The rice will be allocated across various districts, with significant amounts designated for Lawngtlai and Champhai, which host large populations of refugees. This aid aims to address food security concerns and support ongoing relief efforts in the region, reflecting Mizoram's commitment to providing shelter to those fleeing conflict and instability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 8, 2026, 10:17 IST

Humanitarian Assistance Approved for Refugees

A file image of Myanmar Refugees in Mizoram. (AT Photo)

Aizawl, June 8: The Indian government has sanctioned a new round of humanitarian aid aimed at assisting refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh, along with internally displaced individuals from Manipur currently residing in Mizoram. This aid includes free rice valued at approximately Rs 5 crore, which will be distributed throughout the state this year.

Officials from the State Home department indicated that this support will benefit over 31,300 refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as more than 7,000 individuals displaced by ethnic conflicts in Manipur, who are living in various regions of Mizoram.

This rice allocation, financed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), represents the second humanitarian initiative from the Centre, following a similar effort in 2024.

To ensure effective distribution, the State Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department has acquired 1,291.3 metric tonnes of rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) through the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

District administrations across Mizoram have been directed to collect their designated quantities and commence distribution to the beneficiaries. The FCS&CA department issued a dispatch order on May 25, instructing all districts to complete the collection process by June 30.

Lawngtlai district, which shares borders with both Myanmar and Bangladesh, is set to receive a significant portion of this aid. Deputy Commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga announced that the district administration will start collecting its allocation from Monday.

According to Lalruatsanga, Lawngtlai has been allocated 2,850 quintals of rice for distribution among the refugees and displaced individuals in the area.

Currently, Lawngtlai is home to 6,328 refugees from Myanmar and 1,353 from Bangladesh, making it the district with the highest number of Bangladeshi refugees and the second-highest for Myanmar nationals in Mizoram. The district also accommodates several displaced families from Manipur.

Champhai district, which borders Myanmar and has the largest population of refugees from that country, has been allocated 4,460 quintals of rice. Official statistics reveal that 12,083 Myanmar nationals are currently sheltered in Champhai. Aizawl district will receive 2,794 quintals, while Siaha district is set to get 1,118 quintals. The remaining rice has been distributed among other districts based on the number of refugees and displaced persons in each area.

Andrew H Vanlaldika, Additional Secretary for Home and chair of the State-level task group on displaced persons, stated that the proposal for providing free rice was approved by the Centre last year as part of its humanitarian support initiative.

He mentioned that the implementation of this program faced delays due to a communication gap between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. This issue has now been resolved, allowing for the rice to be released for distribution.

Mizoram has consistently offered refuge to individuals escaping conflict and instability in neighboring regions. Since the military coup in Myanmar in 2021, thousands have entered the state seeking safety, while ethnic unrest in Manipur since 2023 has compelled many families to relocate to Mizoram. The state is also providing shelter to members of the Bawm community fleeing unrest in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Officials noted that this latest assistance will help alleviate food security issues among the displaced population and support ongoing relief efforts coordinated by district administrations throughout the state.