ALTSEAN finds Mizo-Burmese relationship intriguing

Muana
Mizzima News: 13 November, 2006

The relationship between Mizos and Burmese were found to be intriguing by members of the Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma who attended a training session on the Indo-Burma border in October.

Following real life case studies of Mizos and Burmese, mostly people from Chin state, and issues in Mizoram, two trainers of ALTSEAN feel Mizo-Burmese relationship do arouse curiosity. The ethnic and religious similarities should be a unifying rather than a divisive factor.

The Burmese in Mizoram lead safer lives when compared to Burmese migrants in Thailand, who live a precarious existence. Migrant workers, and refugees are constantly subjected to bribery, and trafficking among other harassment .The Burmese should take a more proactive stance in bridging the gap between the two communities in Mizoram, which is a priority for Burmese leaders, according to K.P.Lee, Economic Literacy trainer.

K.P.Lee says, "The Mizos should be allies, not enemies of the (Democracy) movement."

In another fact finding report on Burmese migrants in Mizoram, the All India Christian Council stated that Burmese refugees in Mizoram and elsewhere in India have ended up finding their lives in continued misery where they fear deportation. It suggested to the government of Mizoram and other public and social organization to refrain from repatriating Burmese (Chins) until such time as democracy and human rights are restored in Burma.

K.P. Lee opined that the natural preoccupation to prevent deportation and the natural animosity against people who don't seem to want you, are a rational, measured response to the problem. It also impairs the effectiveness and capacity of the Burmese in contributing fully to the democracy movement. He encouraged the Burmese in Mizoram to struggle as their counterparts in Thailand. They thrive despite the historical prejudice of Thais that 'Burmese are invaders'.

On the contrary J.H. Zoremthanga, president of Central Young Mizo Association, one of the largest NGOs in Mizoram says, "We are very hospitable to them (Burmese migrants). They are roaming freely and do whatever they like just as citizens".

Mizo Zirlai Pawl, the largest students organization has empathized with Burmese migrants living in Mizoram as they are victims of circumstances and their infiltration to Mizoram pose less of a threat.

There is better scope for affinity, as Lee moots with the India government's recent policy towards Burma through its 'Look East Policy'.

The previous Thai government policy on Burma too concentrated on economic and business engagement with SPDC, and the Burmese have become, at best, workers for Thailand's economic miracle.

K.P.Lee and his Malaysian colleague trained some Burmese in Economic Literacy and Advocacy training, under the aegis of ALTSEAN on the Indo-Burma border in the second and third week of October. It was first training organized by ALTSEAN on the Indo-Burma border.