Aizawl, May 26: The Mizoram government is likely to begin collecting biometric data of over 33,000 Myanmar refugees residing in the state, following the Centre’s rectification of a dedicated data collection portal, a senior home department official said on Sunday.
During a recent meeting in New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed Chief Minister Lalduhoma that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had completed the technical adjustments to the portal meant for enrolling Myanmar nationals who have taken refuge in Mizoram.
“A demonstration of the portal was held online and recommended for approval. Once the MHA approves the final format and credentials, the biometric enrolment will commence,” the official said.
The enrolment process was previously delayed due to the portal’s original format, which was reportedly designed for deporting illegal immigrants and required documents the refugees could not provide. The official clarified that Myanmar nationals in Mizoram are displaced persons given shelter on humanitarian grounds.
As per the latest government records, 33,023 people from Myanmar, including 12,361 children, are currently taking refuge in Mizoram. Most are from the Chin community of Myanmar’s Chin State, which shares ethnic ties with the Mizo population. Refugees began arriving after the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021.
In 2023, the MHA directed Mizoram and Manipur to collect biometric and biographic details of illegal immigrants. Mizoram initially took steps to comply but deferred the process due to the November state assembly elections. The deadline for completion was later extended to December 31, 2024.
Mizoram shares a 510-km international border with Myanmar.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s Office said Shah has agreed to reimburse ₹5.23 crore to the Mizoram government as depreciated cost for infrastructure vacated by the Assam Rifles in Aizawl. The paramilitary force has since relocated to Zokhawsang, 15 km east of the state capital.
The Home Minister also assured support in transferring the management of Lengpui Airport to the Airports Authority of India and discussed avenues to assist Mizoram through its flagship ‘Bana Kaih’ peace initiative.
Other topics discussed included the proposal to raise a Mizo Territorial Army and the pending Mizoram Maintenance of Household Registers Bill, 2019, which is awaiting the President’s assent.
