In response to an instruction from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Mizoram government has commenced the process of collecting biometric details of more than 30,000 Myanmar nationals who sought shelter in the state following the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021.
The pilot project for recording biometric data was launched across all 11 districts, with a focus on relief camps where the majority of the Myanmar nationals have sought refuge. State Home Department Officer on Special Duty-cum-Joint Secretary, David H. Lalthangliana, confirmed the initiation of the data collection exercise, as PTI reported.
The MHA had earlier instructed both Mizoram and Manipur to collect biometric details of illegal immigrants, and in June, they were reminded to complete the exercise by September 30.
According to David H. Lalthangliana, the exercise could not be undertaken immediately, as the original format had to be modified to accommodate data collection from Myanmar nationals.
Previously, the Mizoram government had independently conducted profiling of the Myanmar nationals and issued identity cards to them. Chief Minister Zoramthanga had objected to the Centre's instruction to deport the Myanmar nationals, emphasizing that Mizoram could not push them back due to their shared ethnic background, and the decision to provide shelter was made on humanitarian grounds.
The majority of the Myanmar nationals are currently residing in relief camps, while others have found accommodation in rented houses or with relatives. The government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), churches, and villagers have been providing food to the Myanmar nationals, who also support themselves through daily labor.
