Aizawl: A meeting of senior district officials and civil society representatives in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district on Monday decided to prohibit the renting out of houses to foreigners, including refugees within the district, from Tuesday.The meeting, chaired by district deputy commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga, agreed that the DC’s office will issue an order or notification on the matter. It was also decided to conduct physical verification of hotels and homestays.The meeting further decided to take more stringent actions regarding the movement of foreigners in and out of Lawngtlai district to prevent possible law-and-order problems.Lalruatsanga said the district administration would take concrete steps to maintain law and order, while considering the possible impact of the situation. He also called for coordination among govt officials, local leaders, civil society organisations and the public.The meeting also discussed reports of fake certificates being manufactured and used in the district. It decided to launch an investigation against those involved and directed the deputy commissioner’s office and the Central Young Lai Association to pursue cases related to the manufacture and use of fake certificates, particularly by foreigners and refugees.According to state home department records, 7,689 refugees — including 6,328 from Myanmar and 1,361 from Bangladesh — are currently taking shelter in Lawngtlai. The district has the second-highest number of Myanmar refugees among 11 districts and the largest number of Bangladesh refugees.
