Surge in influx worries Kamjong s border villages
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, May 20 2024: Even as biometric registration efforts are currently underway, the recent surge in refugees fleeing the conflict in Myanmar has raised concerns among local residents of border villages within Kamjong district.

Over the past few days, there has been an influx of over 200 individuals putting the number of refugees to over 2,100 in the border region.

Initially, there were around 1,900 Kabow (Myanmar) refugees in the border villages of Namlee, Wanglee, KAKA Trade Centre, and Choro-Zing-shophai.

However, recent escalations in the conflict have forced more individuals to cross the border and seek refuge in just three days.

The new arrivals include 187 refugees at Namlee, 57 at Wanglee, and 19 at KAKA Trade Centre.

This latest wave, arriving between May 13 and 15, reflects the escalating conflict in Myanmar and the desperate need for safety.

"We re currently in the midst of biometric registration," said Orien Ningshen, Sub-Divisional Officer of Kasom Khullen block, Kamjong.

Stating that the process is crucial for proper documentation and aid distribution, the officer informed that they already registered 65 refugees till May 17 and will continue until everyone is documented.

A team of Ukhrul based journalists which visited the border region on May 17 discovered that the overwhelming majority of the refugees are women, children, and elderly individuals, with a notable absence of male adults.

Refugees explained that many young people remain in Myanmar to manage their homes and farms.

The rising numbers highlight the critical need for increased humanitarian aid and support for the border villages, as they struggle to accommodate the growing refugee population.

Currently, refugees reside in thatched houses constructed with limited materials provided by the local community.

However, these resources are dwindling rapidly, straining the capacity of the villagers to continue providing assistance on their own.

On the other hand, local villagers are worried about the apparent lack of transparency and accountability in running the existing refugee camps in the region.

Recently, there was report of disappearance of 106 refugees without notice which raised alarm among the locals.

As locals informed, a refugee suffered injury from a landmine on the outskirts of the village recently.

The refugee was subsequently taken to the camp for medical attention, but the incident highlights the potential for further security breaches.

To address these concerns, villagers requested the authorities to set up a separate, fenced camp area under the supervision of security personnel.

This would help prevent unauthorised exits and improve the safety of both refugees and villagers, they pleaded.

Considering the challenges faced by the local community, the village authorities have also appealed to the government to assume the humanitarian responsibility for the refugees.

They said that their resources are finite, and they cannot sustain the burden of providing support indefinitely.

"Despite the villagers' best efforts to provide shelter and basic needs, the strain on local resources is evident.

The lack of adequate infrastructure and supplies is a pressing concern that needs immediate attention," the local village authorities said.

The refugee population includes Burmese, Vaiphei, and Kuki communities from the neighbouring country.

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