Guwahati (Assam) [India], January 22 (HBTV): Mizoram Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said refugees from Myanmar taking shelter in the state are being well looked after, while noting that the subject does not fall under his ministerial portfolio.
Speaking on the issue, Hmar said, ‘There are people from Myanmar who are taking shelter in Mizoram. The refugees are well cared for. Since it’s not my subject and I could not talk about it much more, but they are okay, they are healthy, they have been taken care of.’ He added that, to his knowledge, the refugees are receiving adequate support from the state administration.
The minister also outlined the Mizoram government’s plans to strengthen the tourism sector, highlighting a new focus area near Aizawl. ‘The Mizoram government is planning to develop a new tourism sector, especially in an area called Thainzal, which is a town three hours away from Aizawl,’ he said.
Hmar noted that Thainzal has significant tourism potential, citing its scenic waterfall, golf course and picturesque valley, and said it could emerge as a future attraction for visitors to the state.
Meanwhile, Mizoram recorded a 145.54 per cent growth in tourist arrivals between 2023 and 2024. The state is witnessing a higher growth rate in the current year as well, with rail connectivity expected to further boost tourist inflows.
Emphasising the broader economic impact of tourism, Hmar said, ‘This is not just about increasing tourist numbers. It is about reshaping Mizoram’s economic future through tourism. Our vision is to build Mizoram as a premium experiential destination where nature, culture and community come together. Tourism will be a growth engine for rural livelihoods, youth employment and global visibility. Connectivity has opened the door; now we are walking through it with purpose.’
He further said that to encourage longer and more immersive stays, Mizoram Tourism has rolled out the Mizoram Tourism Events & Festival Calendar 2026, which was launched on December 15, 2025. The calendar features major festivals, cultural programmes and sporting events across different seasons, allowing travellers to plan visits in advance and experience the state beyond short stopovers.
(ANI)