Myanmar nationals escape from Mizoram jail, manhunt initiated

In a daring escape from Serchhip district jail in Mizoram, two Myanmar nationals managed to flee on the evening of July 6th, according to official reports.The escapees, identified as 44-year-old Lalchhanhima from Leisen, Myanmar, and 31-year-old Lalnunnema, were incarcerated since June 10, 2024, for possessing a significant cache of AK-47 assault rifles. The breakout occurred during a recreational period when inmates were engaged in a volleyball game. After the match, as participants returned sports equipment to the storeroom, Lalchhanhima and Lalnunnema seized the opportunity and fled through the prison’s main entrance.

Following the incident, the district jail superintendent filed an FIR, prompting a widespread manhunt to capture the fugitives. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma of humanitarian support for refugees sheltering in the state, particularly amidst the ongoing crisis stemming from political turmoil in Myanmar.

Since the military junta assumed power in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, Mizoram has provided refuge to approximately 34,000 Myanmar nationals, including vulnerable groups like women, elderly, and children. Additionally, the state hosts around 9,000 Kuki-Zomi-Hmar tribals displaced by ethnic conflicts in neighboring Manipur.