The Institute of Chin Affairs (ICA) states that over 60,000 refugees from Myanmar’s Chinland – who’ve fled attacks by the military since the 2021 coup across the border into India – are preparing to celebrate another Christmas away from their homeland.

In India’s northeastern Mizoram State, the government plans to relocate over 33,000 of them, including 12,572 children, who temporarily reside in its 11 districts into one single location.

This is according to the political adviser to Mizoram State Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who wants his government to provide humanitarian assistance to the refugees more effectively.

“Back home [in Myanmar], Christmas was a time of joy, with families united in celebration. This year, many of us are separated, scattered across different camps and locations [in India],” said a refugee at a camp in Siaha district of Mizoram State on the condition of anonymity.

However, many refugees fear what another forcible relocation might mean—not just for their temporary living conditions, but for their ability to keep families together and continue to celebrate important Christian traditions like Christmas. 

“Financial struggles and emotional stress weigh heavily on us. There’s a sense of being emotionally restrained, and it’s difficult to fully embrace the joy of the season,” added the refugee in Siaha district.

The thought of this year’s Christmas celebrations possibly being their last before being uprooted a second time in their lives, since 2021, adds a somber note to the holiday festivities.

“The Indian government’s relocation plans are unsettling, and we don’t know what the future holds. This year, we’re trying our best to make the celebrations as meaningful as possible,” said a refugee staying at Thaizawl camp in Lunglei district of Mizoram State on the condition of anonymity.

Fighting between the regime and Chin resistance forces continues. Up to 80 percent of Chinland is now reportedly under the control of the resistance with Kanpetlet and Mindat towns being seized from the regime on Dec. 21-22.

But conflict still persists between rival Chin factions. This is something Christians from Chinland want to see resolved in the name of their faith and the future of their homeland across the border in Myanmar.

“The meaning of Christmas is the coming of Christ to this world as the savior for all humanity,” said Peter, a pastor from Chinland. “We celebrate Christmas as a way to give thanks for this grace.”