As hundreds of Myanmarese people took shelter in Mizoram fearing a military crackdown in the neighbouring country, State Chief Minister Zoramthanga has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that “India cannot turn a blind eye” to the humanitarian crisis unfolding right in its backyard. Mr. Zoramthanga said that “political refugees” from Myanmar should be given asylum, and provided food and shelter.

He said the Ministry of Home Affairs’recent communication to deport “political refugees” was not acceptable to Mizoram.

The Tatmadaw, or Myanmar military, took over the country after a coup on February 1.

In a letter dated March 18, Mr. Zoramthanga wrote to the Prime Minister, “You are aware a human catastrophe of gigantic proportions is happening in Myanmar today right in front of our eyes. The whole country is in turmoil and innocent hapless citizens are being persecuted and killed by the military regime who are supposed to be their guardians and protectors. Mizoram shares a 510 km-long border with Myanmar, and every day terrified Myanmar citizens are struggling to cross over to Mizoram in search of shelter.”

“Mizoram cannot just remain indifferent to their sufferings today,” the letter accessed by The Hindu stated.