Northeast Desk, 19th June: The Mizoram government is poised to begin biometric enrollment for over 33,000 Myanmar refugees residing in the state, pending instructions from the Central government. A home department official disclosed that a new biometric enrollment portal has been prepared and is ready for deployment upon receiving the Centre’s directive.
“We are waiting for an instruction from the Centre. We will start the process of collecting biometric data of Myanmar nationals once we receive the instruction,” the official informed PTI.
Earlier initiatives by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma had outlined preparations for a biometric enrollment portal aimed at gathering necessary data. Last year, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had mandated Mizoram and Manipur, given their borders with Myanmar, to capture biometric and biographic details of “illegal immigrants.” Despite initial preparations by Mizoram, the state’s Council of Ministers had deferred action citing inopportune timing due to state assembly polls.
Lalduhoma emphasized concerns among Myanmar and Bangladesh nationals sheltered in Mizoram over potential deportation, following the Centre’s directive. He noted assurances from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, pledging no deportations until stability returns to their home countries, especially Myanmar.
According to the state’s Home Department, Mizoram hosts 33,835 Myanmar nationals, including 12,901 children, with Champhai district accommodating the largest contingent of 14,212 refugees. Currently, 10,552 individuals reside in 111 relief camps across six districts, while 9,269 others live outside such facilities with relatives, friends, or in rented accommodations. Additionally, over 1,800 Bangladeshi nationals seek refuge in Lawngtlai district, alongside approximately 8,000 internally displaced persons from Mizoram.
The Mizoram government remains committed to executing the biometric enrollment process once instructed, aiming to facilitate orderly documentation and ensure the welfare of displaced populations within its borders.
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