1 May 2021 – With India having an upsurge in the number of COVID-19 positive cases, Chin refugees currently stranded in New Delhi are among those affected by the pandemic.
Over 100 Chin refugees test positive for COVID-19 while others are now in a difficult situation as they are not allowed to work because of lockdown restrictions imposed in the capital city, according to the Chin Refugee Committee.
Salai Cung Dawt, a Chin community leader, said: “Since 6 April, it has been very difficult for COVID-19 patients to be admitted to hospitals for necessary treatment mainly because of the overcrowding conditions at facilities. 95% of Chin refugees who suffer from COVID-19 are treated at home by themselves.”
Recently, a 30-year-old Chin refugee man succumbed to COVID-19 infection at a hospital in Delhi.
“About 98% of the Chin refugees live on daily wages. Although the duration of current lockdown is only a week, people are now facing challenges in paying rents and buying food items for families,” added Salai Cung Dawt.
The Chin Refugee Committee also informed the UNHCR in Delhi of the challenges facing the Chin population and requested for more urgent support.
Salai Cung Dawt said that the UNHCR was willing to provide basic support but it was not able to do much owing to the current lockdown restrictions.
“Although there was an official announcement about COVID-19 vaccine injection, Chin refugees were not eligible because of some Indian IDs required. We have only got an ID card given by the UNHCR. I don’t think any Chin refugees have received a COVID-19 jab,” said Salai Cung Dawt.
Currently, there are about 3,000 Chin refugees stranded in Delhi.
In recent weeks, an increasing number of people have fled their homes in Chin State into India because of brutal raids and crackdowns on civilians by the military junta that seized power on 1 February 2021. – Reporting by Thawng Zel Thang
