Hmar refugees reluctantly left Mizoram

Aizawl, Aug 03 (UNI) After six months of stay in the state, Hmar refugees form Manipur have started returning to their homes from Sakawrdai village and other villages where they have taken shelter.

Though much reluctant to go back to home and hearth because of the uncertainty of their safety, the Hmar refugees who fled to Mizoram following atrocities from Manipur insurgents in January this year had no choice, but to go back since the insistence from both Manipur and Mizoram government was too much.

Apart from the government, the North East India Committee on Relief and Development (NEICORD) which had been giving them food and other essentials had refused to give them supplies inside Mizoram anymore which was also a motivating force behind the return.

However, a source from Sakawrdai has stated that many of these people have intentions of settling permanently in Mizoram as a result of which belongings have been left behind.

The refugees have been promised rehabilitation money of Rs 5000 per family and four months free rations of rice, sugar and other PDS goods by the Manipur government.

Conflicting reports as to the exact number of people who have gone back to Manipur have been received here. While some reports said 130 families consisting of 642 people have gone back, others said 123 families consisting of 509 people have gone back.

However, Sakawrdai Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) Lalzarmawia informed the media that the refugee camp in this village is now empty and that the process of taking it apart would be commenced by tomorrow.

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