Mizoram prepares for biometric enrollment of over 33,000 Myanmar refugees

Aizawl: The Mizoram government is set to commence biometric enrollment for over 33,000 Myanmar refugees residing in the state, pending instructions from the central government. A home department official confirmed that a new biometric enrollment portal has been prepared and is ready for deployment.

“We are waiting for instructions from the Centre. We will start the process of collecting biometric data of Myanmar nationals once we receive instruction,” the official stated.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma had earlier confirmed the readiness of the biometric enrollment portal, indicating that the process would begin soon. This move follows an April directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, instructing Mizoram and Manipur, which share borders with Myanmar, to capture biometric and biographic details of “illegal immigrants” in their states.

In June of the previous year, the Union Ministry directed that the enrollment campaign be completed by the end of September, instructing both states to prepare and initiate the process. While Mizoram began preparations, including conducting training and appointing nodal officers, the state’s Council of Ministers decided in September to postpone the enrollment due to the upcoming state assembly polls in November.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma noted that the directive to collect biometric data had caused anxiety among Myanmar and Bangladesh nationals who sought refuge in the state, fearing potential deportation. During a January meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lalduhoma received assurances that no refugees would be deported until peace is restored in their home countries.

According to the state Home Department, Mizoram is currently hosting 33,835 Myanmar nationals, including 12,901 children. The majority, 14,212 refugees, are located in Champhai district, with a total of 10,552 people residing in 111 relief camps across six districts. Meanwhile, 9,269 refugees live outside the camps, staying with relatives, friends, or in rented accommodations.

Additionally, more than 1,800 Bangladeshi nationals are taking shelter in Lawngtlai district in southern Mizoram. The state also hosts around 8,000 internally displaced people from within Mizoram, according to the Home Department.