Eight nationals of coup-hit Myanmar take shelter in Mizoram fearing 'political persecution'

The men have crossed into Champhai and Serchhip, two districts in the northeastern state of Mizoram that share a porous border with Myanmar

Eight nationals of coup-hit Myanmar crossed the border and have taken shelter in Mizoram's Serchip district since Wednesday fearing "political persecution."

Deputy commissioner of Serchip Abhishek Kumar told DH over the phone on Thursday that three men had come on Wednesday and five more reached on Thursday seeking shelter and asylum.

"They have been kept in a community hall at Langkawlh village close to the border for now. We have collected their details and send those to our home department for necessary steps to be taken," Kumar said.

There were reports that these persons are Myanmar police personnel and had fled the neighbouring country fearing action for disobeying orders of the military regime.

"We are collecting details to be confirmed whether they are policemen or civilians," he said.

Mizoram shares more than a 500-km border with Myanmar and there is the possibility of influx out of fear for the political persecution of those protesting the Military rulers.

Read: Myanmar soldiers use TikTok to threaten protesters

This comes amid intensified clashes between the military and the pro-democracy protesters, who are demanding restoration of the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.

Mizoram government has already asked all districts to keep watch on the possible influx of people from Myanmar.

The administration in the bordering districts, Serchip, Champhai and Mamit also issued a public notice asking people to inform the police or village council about the illegal entry of Myanmar nationals for necessary action.