Aizawl, October 21: Authorities in Mizoram have successfully documented biometric details of over 43 percent of Myanmar refugees currently taking shelter in the state, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Out of nearly 31,300 refugees who fled Myanmar following the February 2021 military coup, biometric data for around 13,620 individuals have been recorded so far. The enrolment process, launched on July 30 in Serchhip district, has since expanded to all 11 districts of the state.
Conducted under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through the Foreigners Identification Portal and Biometric Enrolment (FIP&BE) system, the drive aims to streamline refugee management and improve data accuracy. Despite technical challenges such as poor internet connectivity and remote locations, officials said the process is continuing steadily.
Refugees are being housed both in designated camps and in private accommodations across Mizoram. Officials noted that collecting data from camp residents is comparatively easier, while documenting those scattered across households has required collaboration with Village Councils and the Young Mizo Association (YMA).
The biometric enrolment captures fingerprints, photographs, and iris scans, along with personal details such as names, addresses, and employment history in both Myanmar and Mizoram. District-level officers were trained before the rollout to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
In addition to Myanmar nationals, Mizoram also shelters about 3,000 refugees from Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) — mostly from the Bawm community — who are residing in Lawngtlai, Lunglei, and Serchhip districts. Officials said biometric registration for these migrants will begin once the Myanmar refugee drive concludes.
