Aizawl: According to a report by The Times of India, the Mizoram government has yet to begin the biometric enrolment process for over 30,000 refugees from Myanmar who have sought shelter in the state. This comes as the deadline extended by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for the enrolment process approaches its conclusion this month, as confirmed by officials from the state’s Home Department.
A senior official told TOI that the primary hurdle in starting the biometric data collection lies in the format of the forms provided by the MHA. The official explained, “The form given to us by the MHA is not suitable for collecting biometric data of Myanmar refugees, as it was designed for illegal foreigners who are being deported.” The official further emphasized that using these forms would be inappropriate, especially since Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma earlier this year that no Myanmar refugee residing in the state would be deported until peace is fully restored in Myanmar.
As a result, the Mizoram Home Department had returned the MHA’s forms months ago, citing their inapplicability for biometric data collection. The state is still awaiting further communication from the central government on the matter.
In terms of biographical enrolment, officials mentioned that most refugees, including those who have returned to Myanmar, have had their biographic data collected and are profiled. Temporary identity cards have been issued to the majority, with only a few still pending.
While the overall number of refugees in Mizoram has decreased due to the return of some individuals to their homes in Myanmar—following a period of relative peace in the western Chin state—there are still 32,794 Myanmar refugees residing in the state as of December 18. This marks a reduction from over 34,000 earlier in the year.
Among the 32,794 refugees, 16,892 are currently living in 127 relief camps across seven districts, while 15,902 refugees are residing outside these camps. The demographic breakdown includes 10,002 males, 10,340 females, and 12,452 children.
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