The Plight of Zomi Refugees in Delhi, India

Pautunthang Naulak, Institute for Social And Economic Change

The research examines the socio-economic, legal, and humanitarian challenges faced by Zomi refugees living in Delhi, India. The Zomis, an ethnic group from Chin State, Myanmar, have fled to India in waves since the 1962 military coup and intensified persecution under successive military regimes. Fleeing forced labour, extrajudicial killings, and famine, many initially settled in Mizoram due to cultural and ethnic ties but faced difficulties in securing livelihoods, medical care, and education. Over time, many Zomis moved to Delhi for better opportunities and access to UNHCR services, which are unavailable in the northeastern states. This study explores the forced migration of Zomi refugees, their statelessness in India, and their unique vulnerabilities compared to other refugee groups. With India lacking formal recognition for refugees, Zomi asylum seekers live in precarious conditions with limited access to essential services and legal protection. Using interviews with refugee leaders and a review of secondary literature, the research highlights the inconsistent response of the Indian government and why returning to Myanmar remains impossible due to the ongoing conflict and persecution. The findings call for comprehensive refugee policies and international support for Zomi refugees.

Keywords: Migrant Populations and Refugees, International Migration, Internal Migration and Urbanization, The Demography of Indigenous Populations

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