Unchecked Myanmarese infiltration is a cause of concern in Mizoram and it will eventually grow into a big problem sooner or later, state Home Minister Tawnlui said on Tuesday.
Answering to queries raised by MPC legislator Sailothanga Sailo in the assembly budget session, the minister said, "In the present system, Myanmarese people looking for jobs in Mizoram obtain entry permit from any Zokhawthar police outpost in Champhai district, Thingsai police station in Lunglei district, Lungbun outpost and Phura outpost in Saiha district."
As many as 4071 Myanmarese nationals were given entry passes during March 2004 to June 2005 whereas 193 temporary stay permits were issued during the same period, he added.
It is very likely that these Myanmarese fortune hunters are overusing the entry permit, which is valid for only one month, he said, adding that there are alternative entries in Champhai and Saiha districts other than the manned entry points.
According to police officials posted at checkpoints, alternative entries were used to avoid the trouble of obtaining permits. However, the government is not officially aware of any Myanmarese staying here without permit,' Tawnlui told the House, and added that issuance of entry permit had been suspended till March 2006 in view of law and order situation.