Aizawl, February 01, 2006: The Mizoram government has swung into action towards constructing a camp for the Hmar refugees who had fled to Mizoram from Manipur after trouble erupted between insurgent groups United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and the Hmar People’s Convention (Democratic) (HPC-D in mid-January 2006.
According to Aizawl district deputy commissioner C Tawnluaia, a camp that can house 100 families is under construction at Sakawrdai sub-town.
Another camp that can house 30 families will also be constructed at the same location.
The state government has sieged the opportunity of providing employment to the poorer families of Sakawrdai from the construction of the camp.
At present there are a total of 980 refugees of whom 516 have sought shelter in Sakawrdai.
The others are located in various villages near this headquarters of the Sinlung Hills Development Council.
To avail facilities and be counted as refugees, all refugees would have to come inside the camp at Sakawrdai.
Providing food and other material needs of the refugees have fallen on the shoulders of the Young Mizoram Association.
The Mizo Zirlai Pawl has also commenced an operation towards getting relief materials for the refugees today inside the state capital.
MZP volunteers have done a round of all localities asking for donations in cash and kind.
The latest figure available of the refugees who have fled to Mizoram is as follows: Sakawrdai 516, Vaitin village 180, Khawpuar village 170, Ratu village 69, Sailutar village 23, Phuaibuang village 13 and New Vervek 9.
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network