Aizawl, November 20:
Mizoram has completed 58.15% of biometric enrolment for over 31,214 Myanmar refugees across all 11 districts, a Home Department official said on Wednesday. The registration drive, launched in July under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directive, uses the ‘Foreigners Identification Portal & Biometric Enrolment’ system to capture fingerprints, iris scans, and personal information.
Authorities have collected data for over 18,000 Myanmar refugees and more than 200 Bangladesh CHT asylum seekers out of 2,354 in the state. Mizoram is also hosting 6,953 internally displaced people (IDPs) from Manipur, highlighting its critical role as a sanctuary for multiple displaced populations. Officials noted that the number of refugees, particularly from Myanmar, fluctuates due to daily cross-border movement.
While registration is relatively straightforward in relief camps, reaching refugees living with relatives, friends, or in rented houses remains challenging. Teams face technical glitches, weak or absent internet connectivity, and difficult terrain, slowing the process. Officials clarified there is no fixed deadline for completing enrolment.
Most Myanmar refugees hail from Chin State, fleeing the military coup in February 2021, while Bangladesh’s Bawm tribe entered Mizoram following a military offensive against an insurgent group in 2022. Both communities share ethnic and cultural ties with the Mizos, which has facilitated cooperation with local authorities.
Officials said the biometric registration will create a comprehensive database to support relief, rehabilitation, health, education, and social welfare programs. With more than half of the Myanmar refugee population already enrolled, Mizoram’s ongoing efforts demonstrate a commitment to systematic refugee management, balancing humanitarian responsibilities with governance and border security.
