Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 5 March 2025

Myanmar refugees who escaped to India in search of asylum are now at risk of deportation following their arrest by authorities, reported India for Myanmar, a group monitoring relations between Myanmar and India, on March 4.

The statement mentioned, "While the state government and local residents are providing help and safety to Myanmar refugees in Mizoram, those in other Indian states are currently encountering the risk of arrest and forced return to Myanmar."

The announcement also disclosed that more than 250 Myanmar refugees in India have been detained and incarcerated in the regions of Manipur and Assam. Approximately 115 detainees have been forcibly sent back to Myanmar by the Manipur state government, without guarantees of safety.

Numerous refugees, having completed their prison sentences and settled fines, continue to be held for years without release, frequently encountering ongoing threats of deportation to perilous Myanmar from both the governments of Manipur and Assam.

Furthermore, the New Delhi police executed unexpected raids on two churches where worshipers included Myanmar refugees. Refugees lacking legal residency papers or UNHCR refugee cards faced threats of arrest, incarceration, or deportation back to Myanmar. According to the statement, the raids led to the halt of their worship activities.

India for Myanmar has firmly urged to halt the deportation of Myanmar refugees and any threats related to such actions, emphasizing that the political instability in Myanmar persists. The group also called for an end to actions and threats that inflict mental and physical harm on these refugees, even though India does not completely support the Myanmar democracy movement.

Over four years after the military coup on February 1, 2021, Myanmar refugees who escaped to India in search of asylum are encountering a worsening situation, as an initial absence of support has now developed into a much more critical condition.

"At present, U Aung Myint (over 50 years old), who is imprisoned in Manipur State, is in serious condition. Prison officials have taken away his possessions and offered urgent medical care, increasing significant worries about his health. At least 10 other detainees, including U Aung Myint, endure chronic health issues, making their well-being a serious concern," India for Myanmar stated.

The statement also emphasized that a refugee detainee passed away in prison, and justice remains unserved to this day.