Mizoram has officially registered 690 Myanmar refugees through biometric procedures, according to State Home Minister K Sapdanga. The move is part of the state’s ongoing humanitarian response to the influx of people fleeing violence in neighboring Myanmar.
The minister confirmed the update during a press briefing on Monday. He emphasized that the registration drive is not only a legal necessity but also a measure to ensure the safety and proper monitoring of the refugees taking shelter in the state.
Myanmar Refugees in Mizoram: A Growing Concern
Since the military coup in Myanmar in 2021, thousands of civilians have sought refuge in India’s northeastern states, particularly Mizoram. The state’s shared ethnic and cultural ties with the Chin community in Myanmar have led to a relatively open-door policy for those fleeing conflict.
Minister Sapdanga stated that Mizoram currently hosts more than 35,000 Myanmar nationals. Most of them reside in temporary shelters spread across border districts like Champhai, Hnahthial, and Lawngtlai. These people fled after intensified clashes between Myanmar’s military junta and resistance forces in the Chin state.
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While the central government has taken a strict stance on illegal immigration, the Mizoram government has consistently extended humanitarian support. Sapdanga reiterated the state’s commitment to aiding the refugees on humanitarian grounds.
Biometric Registration Begins
To maintain order and accountability, the Mizoram government recently initiated biometric registration for all Myanmar refugees. The 690 people who completed the process are the first batch. Officials used facial recognition and fingerprint scanning to collect accurate data.
The biometric system helps in maintaining a database of refugees and reduces chances of duplication or misuse of identity. The move also ensures that aid distribution reaches the right individuals. Minister Sapdanga mentioned that this registration will continue in a phased manner across all affected districts.
“We aim to bring every refugee under this biometric record-keeping to ensure safety and facilitate better management,” Sapdanga said.
Local Support and Relief Measures
Despite resource constraints, Mizoram’s civil society and churches have stepped in to provide essential aid. Local communities continue to support the Myanmar refugees in Mizoram with food, shelter, and clothing. Temporary camps are set up in school buildings, community halls, and church properties.
Sapdanga praised the solidarity shown by Mizo people. “The willingness of our citizens to help their brothers and sisters from across the border reflects our values and compassion,” he added.
Local NGOs have also coordinated with government departments to provide healthcare, basic education, and trauma counseling to refugee children and women. Officials are also exploring ways to include displaced children in the state’s school system.
Security Measures in Place
While Mizoram maintains its stance on providing safe shelter, the state has also heightened security in sensitive zones. Police and paramilitary forces keep a watch on the border to prevent potential spillovers of the ongoing conflict into Indian territory.
Minister Sapdanga clarified that there have been no major law and order issues involving the refugees so far. He also confirmed that biometric registration will strengthen surveillance and make the situation easier to manage from a security point of view.
Coordination with Centre Pending
Despite the Centre’s reservations about accommodating foreign nationals, Mizoram continues to press for more support. The state government has written multiple letters to the Ministry of Home Affairs requesting funds and official recognition of the refugee status of Myanmar nationals.
So far, no formal refugee status has been granted by the Centre. However, Mizoram continues to argue that the refugees are not infiltrators but victims of an oppressive regime.
“We urge the Centre to understand the sensitive nature of this issue. These people share blood ties with our people and need protection,” Sapdanga stressed.
Way Forward
The biometric registration of 690 Myanmar refugees in Mizoram marks a significant step in bringing order to an otherwise emotionally charged and politically sensitive issue. It lays the groundwork for managing aid, ensuring accountability, and maintaining internal security.
The Mizoram government is determined to expand the process in the coming months. Officials estimate that more than 20,000 Myanmar nationals will be registered by the end of the year if the necessary infrastructure and staff are provided.
Until then, the focus remains on sustaining humanitarian assistance and keeping the region stable. Civil society, the church, and local leaders continue to play a critical role in bridging gaps and advocating for the rights and safety of the refugees.
As tensions in Myanmar show no signs of easing, Mizoram stands as a model of compassion and resilience in the region—balancing law, humanity, and security with remarkable grace.
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