Aizawl, Dec 24: The number of Myanmar refugees in Mizoram has dropped to 32,794 as of December 18, 2024, down from 33,036 on December 10, 2024, according to state disaster management and rehabilitation officials. The reduction follows the departure of 380 refugees from Champhai district and 5 from Kolasib district, while 143 new refugees arrived in Serchhip district between December 11 and 18.

As of now, 16,892 refugees are staying in 127 relief camps across seven districts, while 15,902 refugees are living outside the camps. The current refugee population includes 10,002 males, 10,340 females, and 12,452 children.

Champhai district, which borders Myanmar, continues to host the largest number of refugees, with 13,586 individuals. Of these, 6,650 are in 19 relief camps, and 6,936 are residing outside the camps. In southern Mizoram, Lawngtlai and Siaha districts also house significant numbers of refugees. Lawngtlai accommodates 5,922 refugees, including 2,014 from Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts, while Siaha hosts 4,976 refugees.

The influx of refugees into Mizoram began in March 2021, following Myanmar’s military coup on February 1, 2021. While some refugees have returned to Myanmar, the ongoing conflict continues to drive people into Mizoram. Many refugees remain hopeful of returning home soon, as peace is being restored in Myanmar’s Chin state, where resistance forces control significant areas.