Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma declared on Thursday that his government would not gather biometric details of refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Centre is presently aiding the state in providing relief to these refugees and internally displaced people (IDP) from Manipur, as mentioned in a report by the Mizoram Post.
Lalduhoma informed the assembly that the Ministry of Home Affairs had instructed the state to collect biometric data of refugees in April last year. In the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government, the Council of Ministers, in a meeting in September last year, decided against biometric and biographic enrollment.
In response to opposition queries, Lalduhoma stated that the Centre was utilising an existing portal meant for deporting illegal immigrants to collect biometric details of refugees. He conveyed concerns of refugees fearing deportation, prompting assurance from the Home Minister that no deportations would occur until peace is restored in the neighboring countries.
Lalduhoma highlighted the state’s ongoing assistance to refugees and IDPs from its resources. The Centre, during the MNF rule, provided Rs 3 crore and continues to support the current state government in aiding refugees and IDPs.
In a disclosure during the ongoing budget session of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, Home Minister K Sapdanga reported that Mizoram is currently hosting a total of 42,576 refugees and displaced persons. This information was provided in response to a query posed at the assembly regarding the status of displaced individuals in the state.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
The breakdown of the refugee population is as follows: 9,248 displaced persons from Manipur as of February 9, 2024, 32,161 refugees from Myanmar as of February 3, 2024, and 1,167 refugees from Bangladesh as of January 24, 2024. The state has received a sum of 3 crores from the Central Government to aid Myanmar refugees.
Also Read | Mizoram: Rajya Sabha MP urges Arakan Army cooperation in KMMTTP project