An RTI filed by EastMojo on March 27, 2025, has peeled back the curtain on how Mizoram—a borderland state that has become a reluctant sanctuary—is managing the swelling refugee population it now hosts.
According to the latest figures shared by Home Minister K. Sapdanga during the March 2025 Assembly session, Mizoram currently shelters 41,355 displaced persons, including 33,505 from Myanmar, 2,633 internally displaced from Manipur, and 2,217 from Bangladesh. However, the RTI responses from seven districts reveal a complex and often inconsistent method of data collection—raising concerns about the state’s preparedness in handling what is both a humanitarian crisis and a long-term administrative burden.
A System Built on Informal Networks
The RTI sought clarity on how refugee and displaced person counts are maintained, updated, and verified across Mizoram’s districts. The responses paint a picture of village-level monitoring, sporadic updates, non-uniform practices, and no centralized digital system.
In Saitual District, data is collected by the Deputy Commissioner’s Office based on reports furnished by Village Councils (VCs). As per State Public Information Officer (SPIO) Lallawmawma, village authorities are instructed to track movements, including when refugees return to their home states or countries. The last known data updates in the district were on January 30, 2025 (Myanmar) and January 17, 2025 (Bangladesh).
However, the process remains manual and dependent on voluntary reporting, with no formal ID system in place. “Due to the absence of ID cards, there is no proper database,” the SPIO admitted.
Aizawl: Structured, But Still Fragmented
In contrast, Aizawl District, which houses the capital and several organized relief camps, has a more structured approach. Here, data is collected by District Administration within the camps, while Local Councils (LCs), Village Councils, and NGOs handle data for those outside.
SPIO Srinivas Sadi, IAS, reported no major difficulties within the relief camps. However, the dual-track system again reflects a lack of central coordination, especially for those living outside official shelters—many of whom move frequently or live informally.
Data Trails Lost in Movement
In Khawzawl District, the challenge is the frequent relocation of the displaced population. “Maintaining accurate data is difficult,” officials said. Data here, too, is provided by VCs, with the last major update conducted on April 1, 2025.
In Serchhip District, a slightly more digital method is in place: a shared Google Spreadsheet accessible to the Deputy Commissioner and the Home Department. Village Councils have been directed to use a uniform proforma, but data is still impacted by refugees relocating without notice. The last full update was on February 21, 2025.
Meanwhile, in Siaha District, officials admitted that village council inactivity and slow responses have hampered data collection. Their method—phone conversations with VCPs and village courts—is not only informal but increasingly outdated.
The SPIO, Abraham Beirazi Khithie stated, “It appears that some representatives of the concerned villages have become idle and inactive in submitting regular status reports on displaced persons. As a result, compiling these reports has become a difficult task.”
The last data update was in November 2024.
Border Tensions and Resource Limitations
The SPIO of Lawngtlai District, Margeret J. Vanlalremmawii, acknowledged the unique difficulties faced in her jurisdiction, citing the porous Indo-Myanmar border as a significant factor. “There can be chances of covert entries due to the porous nature of the border area,” she said. She also noted that the ongoing Indo-Myanmar border trade further complicates data accuracy and movement monitoring. Despite these challenges, the District Administration continues to coordinate with Village Councils, the Assam Rifles, and the Border Security Force to track and regulate refugee entry.
In Hnahthial District, SPIO Esther Leihang outlined three major obstacles: lack of funding to monitor refugee movement in and out of the district; insufficient awareness among Village Level Refugee Committees (VLRCs) and the refugees themselves; and irregular movement through unofficial entry and exit points. “These issues inhibit our ability to take consistent and timely action,” she said.
Counting Without a System
The RTI makes clear that Mizoram currently lacks a centralized, verifiable refugee registration system. With open borders, especially with Myanmar, and ongoing conflict in surrounding regions, the refugee population is fluid and highly mobile which raises concerns for humanitarian planning—such as food, shelter, and medical support—but also for security, policy development, and long-term integration or repatriation efforts.
Growing Calls for a Policy Framework
In April, the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) urged the state government to develop a refugee policy that could offer clear guidelines and support mechanisms. “Without a consistent framework, we’re operating on compassion and improvisation,” said General Secretary Malsawmliana, referencing the ethnic and cultural ties between the Mizos and Chin-Zo people of Myanmar.
NGOs like the Zo Reunification Organisation and the apex student body, Mizo Zirlai Pawl have emphasised solidarity with the refugee population and stressed the importance of unification with the brethren of a shared ancestry. But others, particularly among Mizoram’s youth, have voiced growing concern that the porous borders are contributing to rising drug smuggling and crime rates.
Talks have been held on biometric enrolment processes for refugees. Earlier this year, in January, a Times of India report revealed that the Mizoram government has yet to begin the 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.”
You just read a story that took days to report. Help us keep our reporters on the ground in the Northeast.
Ad-free reading, support and keep important stories alive
Support once (any amount)
Scan to pay via UPI