India, June 30 -- Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma on Monday called on refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh and those displaced by the ethnic conflict in Manipur residing in the state to respect local laws, cultural practices, and religious traditions, emphasising the need for peaceful co-existence.

Speaking at the Mizoram Peace Accord Day celebration held at Aizawl's Lammual ground, Lalduhoma cited recent remarks by home minister K. Sapdanga that nearly half of the crimes in Mizoram were committed by refugees.

"It is unfortunate that the actions of a few miscreants overshadow the goodwill of many law-abiding individuals," the chief minister said. "I urge our refugee friends to honor our laws and customs."

Lalduhoma specifically addressed...