Rental of houses restricted for refugees and foreigners in Lawngtlai

AYEYARWADDY TIMES September 2 MYANMAR – It has been learned from Chin refugees that house rentals for refugees and foreigners have been restricted in Lawngtlai district, Mizoram state, India, where a large number of Chin refugees reside near the Myanmar-India border. It is understood that the decision was made at a meeting on the rule of law held on August 31, led by Pu Donny Lalruatsanga, the administrative officer of Lawngtlai district. According to the resolution of the meeting, it is understood that from yesterday, September 1, refugees and foreigners will no longer be allowed to rent houses in residential homes and hotels in Lawngtlai district. "Although there has been no official announcement from the district office yet, it was stated at the meeting that refugees and foreigners will not be allowed to rent houses," a Chin refugee in Lawngtlai district told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. Lawngtlai district borders Paletwa township in Chin State, and as it is a place where many Chin refugees reside and where Rakhine traders primarily conduct their business, they are concerned. "If refugees are not allowed to rent houses, they may face difficulties in finding a place to live, and if fighting occurs in Chin State, refugees who come in later will also face hardship," a Chin refugee in Lawngtlai district told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. According to records from the Home Department of Zoram State, 6,328 Myanmar refugees are taking shelter and residing in Lawngtlai district.