Chakma groups allege Mizoram govt. is not providing them relief during COVID-19

GUWAHATI: Chakma groups have alleged that Mizoram government is not providing them relief during COVID-19 pandemic.

“Chakmas of Mizoram constitute 8.8% of the state’s total population and at present there are over 1,000 Chakmas stranded outside the state. As there is limited socialisation between communities, only giving grants to the Mizo NGOs is not enough to reach out to non-Mizos like the Chakmas,” a statement from Mizoram Chakma Alliance Against Discrimination (MCAAD) reads.

The CM of the state responded to media query and said that if the Chakma group needs help then they must approach resident commissioners or chief secretary’s office in Aizawl.

More than 5000 Mizo people are stranded outside state amid lockdown, claim reports.

They are stranded in different states in India and UTs throughout the country.

Most of them are employees in companies. A lot of them are students and some are patients.

A web portal was launched in the state to help such state residents.

The state government there has offered Rs 1.58 crore to various organizations to help such stranded Mizos.

Mizoram houses are also providing help to such students by providing them food and accommodation.

Prime Minister Modi has urged people to follow lockdown measures until May 3.

“Friends, keeping all the suggestions in mind, it has been decided that the lockdown in India will have to be extended till 3^rd May. That means until 3^rd May, each and every one of us, will have to remain in the lockdown. During this time, we must continue maintaining discipline in the way we have been doing till now,” he said during his address to the nation.

“Therefore, we have to be very vigilant about hot-spots. We will have to keep a close and strict watch on the places which run the risk of becoming hot-spots. The creation of new hot-spots will further challenge our hard work and penance. Hence, let us extend the strictness and austerity in the fight against Corona for the upcoming one week,” he added.

The lockdown was about to end on April 14.

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