12 July 2026 — The Young Mizo Association (YMA) in Vaphai village, Champhai District, Mizoram, has issued a set of 12 rules and restrictions for Myanmar refugees residing in the village, according to a notice dated 3 July.
Under the new regulations, refugees are prohibited from working, participating in sports, or engaging in recreational activities on Sundays. Unless there is an emergency, movement in and out of the village on Sundays is also restricted. The notice further bans the formation of separate fellowship groups and the holding of independent worship services.
The guidelines also introduce stricter traffic regulations, prohibiting speeding, driving without headlights at night, drink-driving, and operating motorcycles that produce excessive noise within the village.
To protect the local environment, the YMA has banned hunting with any type of weapon within Vaphai village boundaries, as well as fishing using electric shock devices, dynamite, poison, or other destructive methods. The sale of fish caught through such methods is also prohibited. The notice further bans commercial exploitation of forests and other natural resources in the village.
The regulations also prohibit refugees from opening shops or businesses without permission, consuming alcohol and moving around the village while intoxicated, engaging in physical fights, or carrying out any activity that could disturb public order and peace. The YMA warned that violators would face disciplinary action.
In addition, refugees relocating to Vaphai from other parts of Mizoram must present a recommendation letter from the YMA branch in their previous place of residence. Newly arrived refugees from Myanmar are also required to register with the Vaphai YMA upon arrival.
The notice further states that individuals who previously left Vaphai village will not be allowed to return and settle there again. It adds that the Vaphai YMA may introduce additional regulations if deemed necessary in the future. – Reporting by Ben
