Refugees from the turmoil Myanmar situation fleeing across the international border into the Indian states of Mizoram, Manipur have the right to humanitarian aid from the State under any circumstances, said Justice Mahesh Mittal Kumar, member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Replying to a specific question on the hidden plight of thousands of these refugees at a press briefing in Shillong today after the two days public hearing and sessions with state government officials, he said that the State has to provide humanitarian aid to them.
He said that Article 21 comes to the rescue of all persons whose human rights are being violated whether they are citizens or foreigners.
Justice Kumar’s said this in reply to a specific question as to what is the role of the NHRC with reference to the refuge seekers from neighbouring country Myanmar where army atrocities on civilians has forced many to seek shelter in these Indian states which is just a walk across the international border.
“The stand of the government of India on refugees is very clear. But there are international covenants, “he said, emphasizing that the doors of NHRC are open to any appeals from those concerned with these issues.
“Seeking asylum is a different process but for immediate humanitarian needs the NHRC is open to appeals on this count. We ask any concerned person to write to us and we will take it up with the Government,” Justice Kumar said. He also referred to the Rohingya case where intervention by NHRC had given respite to the refugees.
It is to be noted that till date no institutionally organized humanitarian aid has been extended to the refugees housed in worsening conditions all along the border districts of Mizoram and Manipur. The local people in the remote villages are sharing their own meager resources with their straggly guests. Charity based support is being organized for their food, clothing and shelter but these temporary measures are a pittance in the face of the massive humanitarian crisis in the remote borders.
As for the concern brought up at a press briefing that the NHRC had not lived up to its banner which said that it was an “open public hearing” as information was not widespread and that common public were not present at the hearings, the NHRC officials replied that public notices were given since November 27.
“No public was barred from coming to the venue of the hearing,” the NHRC said, also replying to the grouse that the venue, the state Convention Center, is not that easily accessible to common people.
