The Mizoram government has told the Centre that looking after the “safety and welfare” of refugees entering the state from coup-hit Myanmar “was a priority” while the apex Mizo student organisation — Mizo Zirlai Pawl — has announced it will host a series of concerts on Saturday to raise funds for those who have already entered from the neighbouring country.

Mizoram Lok Sabha MP C. Lalrosanga on Tuesday met external affairs minister S. Jaishankar in Parliament House and voiced his “serious concerns over the shelter and well-being of refugees” coming into Mizoram following the political turmoil in Myanmar.

According to reports, over 380 refugees, most of them police personnel, have sneaked into Mizoram, which shares a 510km porous border with Myanmar, fearing persecution by the junta.

Six districts — Champhai, Lawngtlai, Siaha, Saitual, Hnahthial and Serchhip — border Myanmar. Champhai and Aizawl are most affected, the MZP said.

Since a large section of those fleeing to Mizoram “share the same ethnic ancestry” as the Mizos, Lalrosanga said that “looking out for their safety and welfare was a priority”. He also expressed his gratitude for the asylum granted by the Centre to Myanmar refugees for around 25 years under the aegis of the United Nations, which has been of great solace to them.

Jaishankar, according to officials in Mizoram, said he shared the MP’s concerns over the refugee situation and assured him that the matter will be “dealt with cautiously and conducively”.

On Monday, Mizoram Rajya Sabha MP K. Vanlalvena had called on Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu at his official residence and urged the Centre’s intervention for restoration of peace in trouble-torn Myanmar, and to provide relief for nationals of that country who have crossed the international border to take shelter in Mizoram following “gross atrocities committed against protesters who stand up for democracy, human rights and justice since the military junta took control of the Myanmar government” on February 1.

According to officials, Vanlalvena was accompanied by ruling Mizo National Front adviser Rosangzuala with both raising their concern that the situation in Myanmar “could go from bad to worse” by highlighting deaths, arrest and detention of protesters.

In view of the grim situation, Vanlalvena urged the central government to “stand up for the people of Myanmar and review its foreign policy towards the neighbouring country and try to find a solution for the restoration of peace and harmony in the country”.

The developments involving the two MPs from the ruling MNF come despite the home ministry reportedly conveying to Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, four states which border Myanmar, to not allow anyone to illegally enter the country barring cases “absolutely essential on humanitarian grounds”, a line which the state government is apparently pursuing. Myanmar shares 1,468km-long border with the four states. Assam Rifles guard the Mizoram border.

Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga had said last month that refugees would be offered help on humanitarian grounds but official formalities would be followed. The state government is still awaiting the Centre’s directive on how to deal with those who have already entered, media reports suggest.

Amid the developments, MZP announced it will hold concerts in state capital Aizawl on Saturday.

MZP vice-president Peter Chhangte told The Telegraph that they have planned nine to 10 back-to-back concerts at traffic points and bazars from 11am to raise funds for their “brothers and sisters” who have fled Myanmar following the coup.

“We are working closely with NGOs representing Myanmarese already living in Aizawl for helping those who have entered in wake of the coup. We cannot stop them from coming into Mizoram because they are our brothers and sisters by blood,” Chhangte, 36, said.

The MZP had on February 4 staged a protest in Aizawl against the coup and human rights violations in Myanmar. Chhangte had said they will always stand by their Mizo brothers in the neighbouring country while urging the MNF-led state government to ensure that Mizos do not face any crisis owing to the prevailing situation and urging the Myanmar junta to restore democracy.

Mizos living outside the state are also extending support. Bangalore-based Mizo singer Rebecca Saimawii had come up with an emotional song expressing solidarity with the people of Myanmar opposing the coup. The song in Mizo language has gone viral.

The Champhai district administration was the first to sound an alert on possible influx by Chins from Myanmar following the asylum request made by the Chin National Army (CNA) for 40 families fearing persecution by the army in wake of the military coup.

The CNA is a Myanmar rebel group fighting for self-determination, among others. The Chins share the same ancestry as Mizos.

Myanmar’s Chins have been fleeing to Mizoram since the eighties to escape the army’s wrath but were returning after the neighbouring country took steps to restore democracy. Their number has come down significantly but the coup could see a fresh exodus, officials feared.