AIZAWL, July 9: The Centre has assured Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma that steps will be taken to secure Presidential assent to the long-pending Mizoram (Maintenance of Household Registers) Bill, 2019, aimed at identifying foreign nationals residing in the state. The assurance came during Lalduhoma’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Monday, where a wide range of state-related issues were discussed.

The bill, passed by the Mizoram Legislative Assembly on March 18, 2019, under the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government led by former Chief Minister Zoramthanga, seeks to create a comprehensive database of residents to distinguish Indian citizens from illegal immigrants. It was originally sent to the Governor and subsequently referred to the President, reportedly due to its provisions related to the detection of foreigners.

During the meeting, Shah assured Lalduhoma that he would initiate measures to ensure the bill receives Presidential assent at the earliest, according to an official statement. The Chief Minister emphasized the urgency of the matter, citing concerns over the long-standing influx of illegal immigrants from neighboring countries, which has impacted the state’s welfare and development programs.

Zoramthanga, who introduced the bill, had argued that illegal immigration had become a major challenge for Mizoram, with many foreign nationals availing themselves of government benefits. The proposed law is intended to enhance governance by maintaining accurate household records to better target welfare schemes.

Mizoram shares an 828-km-long international border with Myanmar and Bangladesh. Nearly 40,000 refugees from Myanmar’s military coup and displaced persons from Bangladesh are currently sheltered in the state, adding urgency to the bill’s objectives.

In addition to the bill, Lalduhoma discussed other key projects with the Union Home Minister, including the establishment of a ‘Peace City’ in Thenzawl, Serchhip district — a plan to decongest the state capital, Aizawl. Shah said the proposal would be presented in the upcoming Parliament session and advised the CM to explore funding opportunities with the Union Finance Minister.

The CM also raised the transfer of Lengpui Airport to the state government and requested enhanced air connectivity through a charter service with higher passenger capacity. Shah informed that the matter would be placed before the Union Cabinet shortly. He also assured continued support under the police modernization scheme to strengthen the CISF presence at Lengpui Airport.