GG News Bureau
Aizawl, 29th Feb. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced on Thursday that his government would refrain from collecting biometric details of refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
During a session in the state assembly, Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted that the Centre was extending assistance to the state government to provide relief to refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as internally displaced people (IDPs) from Manipur, who have sought refuge in Mizoram.
Lalduhoma informed the assembly that the Home Ministry had initially instructed the state to gather biometric data of refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh in April 2023. However, despite initial efforts by the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government to comply with this directive by conducting training and appointing nodal officers, the current Council of Ministers decided against proceeding with biometric and biographic enrollment for these refugees. The decision was made in September last year, citing concerns related to the state assembly elections scheduled for November.
“Our government has opted not to collect biometric details of Myanmar and Bangladesh refugees,” Lalduhoma stated, referencing his discussion with the Union Home Minister in January. He expressed concerns that the Centre was utilizing an existing portal, intended for the deportation of illegal immigrants, to gather biometric details of refugees. Lalduhoma assured that upon his request, the Home Minister pledged not to deport any refugees until peace is restored in the neighboring countries.
Furthermore, Lalduhoma emphasized that the state government is providing assistance to refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as IDPs from Manipur, using its own resources. He highlighted that the Centre had allocated ₹3 crore during the MNF rule and continues to support the present government in providing aid to refugees and IDPs.
According to the state Home Department, Mizoram is currently hosting 32,221 Myanmar nationals, with the highest concentration in Champhai district, while Lawngtlai district accommodates 1,167 Bangladeshi nationals. Additionally, over 9,000 internally displaced people from Manipur have sought refuge in Mizoram.
The influx of refugees began in February 2021 when Myanmar faced political turmoil following a military coup, and in November 2022, Bangladeshi nationals fled to Mizoram due to a military operation against an ethnic insurgent group. Furthermore, the Kuki-Zo people from Manipur sought refuge in Mizoram following ethnic violence with the Meitei community since May last year. These ethnic groups share ties with the Mizos.
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