Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has proposed that Myanmar-issued identity cards be collected and retained from individuals crossing into India, as part of stronger measures to regulate border movement amid ongoing instability in Myanmar.
The proposal was made during a meeting with Surinder Bhagat, IFS, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs and Protector General of Emigrants, held recently at the Chief Minister’s Office in Aizawl.
While acknowledging the humanitarian crisis and the influx of people fleeing violence in Myanmar, the Chief Minister raised concerns that some individuals are using the situation as a pretext to illegally cross the border. “Such people break the law,” he said, adding that strong measures will be taken against violators.
To ensure accountability and proper documentation, he suggested collecting the Myanmar government-issued ID of each person for the duration of their stay in Mizoram. He also informed that biometric data collection for people entering from Myanmar has already begun.
The Chief Minister also raised the issue of illegally operating placement agencies in Mizoram, stating that licenses of such agencies have been cancelled and that the government is seeking prosecution sanction from the Protector General of Emigrants.
In response, Surinder Bhagat noted that illegal placement agencies often bring foreign nationals into India under false pretenses, resulting in scams that exploit Indian citizens. He emphasized the need for awareness and legal safeguards, and added that the Centre has been facilitating legitimate overseas employment, including placements in Taiwan.
The meeting was followed by further discussions involving officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Mizo Diaspora Cell, and Vanlaldina Fanai, Commissioner & Secretary to the Chief Minister.
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