Don't traffic drugs, apex Mizo group tells refugees, IDPs

Aizawl: The central committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the largest civil society organisation in Mizoram, has issued guidelines on social conduct for ethnic Mizos, who are taking shelter in the state as refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) from Myanmar, Bangladesh and Manipur.

According to a statement of the Aizawl-based organisation, the refugees and IDPs should follow the societal practices of the permanent residents of Mizoram and not indulge in activities which are against society as long as they are taking refuge in the state.

"The central committee of YMA expects that the refugees and IDPs do not get involved in smuggling and drug trafficking which violate of laws of the land and against the wishes of the govt and local society," the statement said.

The statement also said as the refugees cannot legally own land or buildings in the state without prior permission of the state govt, the YMA cannot give recommendations in this regard. On the issue of renting shops, the refugees are told not to indulge in taking over other people's shops by offering higher rents as it is regarded as a bad practice.

Refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh are not allowed or entitled to make or own documents legally, including voter identity cards, Aadhaar cards, birth certificates, ST certificates, residential certificates, driving licences and vehicle registration as these are strictly for Indian citizens, it said.

The statement further said IDPs taking shelter in the state should not move out or travel around without the permission of the competent authorities.