Along the border, living in limbo 

• Exploring the historical ties between the Chins and Mizos, this section delves into the shared ethnic roots of these communities. The term "Zogam," encompassing present-day Mizoram and the Chin State, reflects the unity that predates the British-imposed division in the 1800s.
• Mizoram emerges as a haven for displaced individuals, currently sheltering around 35,000 people from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur. Margaret reflects on the impact of civil wars, forcing communities to seek jobs abroad, with Mizoram being a preferred destination for its cultural affinity.
• Amid discussions on fencing the India-Myanmar border, Margaret contemplates the potential challenges for future travellers. Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement in January raises concerns about the ease of movement, contrasting with the experiences of Margaret and Sumi four decades apart.
• The implications of geopolitical changes on social work and humanitarian efforts across borders.

2. India-Myanmar Relations

The diplomatic ties between India and Myanmar have a rich and multifaceted history, characterized by geographic proximity, cultural affinities, and shared strategic interests. The relationship has evolved over the years, encompassing various domains such as trade, security, and cultural exchanges.

• India and Myanmar share deep-rooted historical and cultural connections, with influences from Buddhism, trade routes, and migration patterns shaping their interactions over centuries. The ancient cultural linkages form a strong foundation for contemporary bilateral relations.
• Geopolitically, Myanmar holds a significant position for India, serving as a gateway to Southeast Asia. The two nations have collaborated on various strategic initiatives, including connectivity projects and regional stability efforts. Myanmar's location is crucial for India's Act East Policy, fostering economic and strategic engagements.
• Economic collaboration between India and Myanmar has witnessed growth, encompassing trade, investments, and development projects. Both countries have sought to enhance economic ties through initiatives like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, aiming to facilitate smoother connectivity.
• Security cooperation remains a pivotal aspect of the bilateral relationship. Both nations have engaged in dialogues and initiatives to address shared security concerns, including border management and counter-terrorism efforts. Military exchanges and intelligence-sharing contribute to strengthening mutual security interests.
• While the relationship reflects positive aspects, challenges persist, such as ethnic conflicts along the border and issues related to the Rohingya crisis. India navigates a delicate balance in addressing these challenges while fostering collaboration and understanding.
• In the face of the political unrest and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, India has the opportunity to play a constructive role. By adopting a proactive humanitarian approach, India can contribute to regional stability and address the needs of displaced communities.

 Lailun Medical Centre

Situated approximately 110 km from Falam, the Lailun Medical Centre plays a crucial role in providing healthcare to sick or injured Myanmar nationals displaced by the ongoing civil war. The conflict, involving armed civilian groups known as the People’s Defence Forces (PDF), allied with the self-declared National Unity Government in exile, against the Buddhist-dominated military, has led to a significant concentration of displaced individuals in Falam.

Collaborative Humanitarian Efforts

Established by the Myanmar-based Institute of Chin Affairs, the Lailun Medical Centre stands as a testament to collaborative efforts. Community-based organizations, including the Young Mizo Association and church bodies, have played a pivotal role in supporting the centre. The Mizos, the dominant community in Mizoram, share ethnic ties with the Chins of Myanmar, the Kuki-Zos of Manipur, and the Kuki-Chins of Bangladesh.

Symbolic Bridge Closure

The medical centre's door stands as a symbol of the changing dynamics along the India-Myanmar border. The 30-metre steel bridge across the Tiau River, once a passage for formal trade, remains closed to traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, residents are permitted to walk across up to a specified point on either side of the border, highlighting the evolving conditions.

Control Shift in Chin State

The PDF and its affiliated groups' takeover of much of Chin State has profound implications. This shift in control has forced more than 500 Myanmar soldiers to flee to India, where they have been evacuated to Mandalay and other military bases. The evolving situation adds layers of complexity to the plight of displaced individuals seeking refuge in Mizoram.

Historical Echoes

The historical backdrop of the first Anglo-Burmese War in 1826, culminating in the Treaty of Yandaboo, played a pivotal role in shaping the territorial demarcation between British-ruled India and Burma. The present alignment of the border between India and Myanmar reflects this historical ebb and flow.

Ethnically Tied Communities

Before the delineation of borders, the hills and jungles of Northeast India and Myanmar were intertwined, fostering a seamless connection among ethnically related communities. Local trade, agriculture, and social events bound these "separated" locals who coexisted harmoniously.

Post-Independence Dynamics

The independence of India in 1947 and Burma in 1948 had minimal repercussions on cross-border movements. Locals continued their interactions, facing disruptions only during military operations against Northeast-based extremist groups finding refuge in Myanmar. The 2018 agreement to implement the Free Movement Regime (FMR) temporarily eased border restrictions.

FMR Suspension and Refugee Escalation

The implementation of the FMR faced a setback when India suspended it in September 2022 due to the escalating refugee crisis triggered by the military coup in Myanmar. While approximately 2,000 Myanmar nationals, predominantly Chin people, sought refuge in Manipur, Mizoram witnessed an influx, reaching around 40,000 displaced individuals within a year of the coup.

Border Dynamics and Civil War Impact

The number of displaced people in Mizoram experienced fluctuations, influenced by the volatile situation along the border. Residents from Myanmar, residing close to the Indian border, moved in response to gunfights and aerial bombings. Champhai district, in particular, emerged as a haven, currently sheltering 12,432 Myanmar nationals, showcasing the dynamic nature of the crisis.

Myanmar's displaced Chins, including lawmakers and government officials maintaining anonymity, cautiously observe the evolving dynamics with the People's Defence Forces (PDF) gaining ground against the junta. However, historical ethnic conflicts and the Tatmadaw's resilience create uncertainties. India's strategic ties with Myanmar's military and divergent views within the country Manipur advocating border closure, while Mizoram favours the status quo add to the complexities.

India's Stance and Refugee Dilemma

India's non-signatory status to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the absence of a refugee law shaped its response to the crisis. New Delhi's reluctance to provide financial assistance to Mizoram for the displaced, coupled with instructions to security forces to push back refugees, raises concerns. Discrepancies emerge between Mizoram's requests and the Centre's actions, leading to tensions, especially under the leadership transition from Zoramthanga to Lalduhoma.

Changing Political Landscape in Mizoram

With the new government under Lalduhoma, concerns arise among refugees about potential shifts in policy. Despite assurances from the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), acknowledging its inability to prevent border fencing and the end of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), Lalduhoma emphasizes the passion for Zo reunification as a guiding force for Mizoram's commitment to displaced people.

Humanitarian Efforts Amidst Political Tensions

Humanitarian concerns take centre stage in Mizoram's response to the refugee crisis. The Village-Level Committee on Myanmar Refugees (VLCMR) and other NGOs prioritize the welfare of displaced individuals. Despite Mizoram's perceived political insignificance to New Delhi, there's a plea for central leaders to consider the humanitarian aspect before implementing drastic measures like fencing the border.

Ethnic Conflict vs. Civil War

Amidst debates on border fencing, Mizoram's belief that Manipur's ethnic conflict, rather than Myanmar's civil war, is the primary driver for border closure gains prominence. The Manipur government attributes the conflict to "infiltrators" from Myanmar, emphasizing the need for a fence along its 390 km border to curb the entry of people from the neighbouring country.