Mizoram Decides Not to Collect Biometric Data of Myanmar Refugees; Manipur Seeks Extension

The Mizoram government has announced its decision not to proceed with the proposed collection of biometric and biographic data of Myanmar refugees taking shelter in the state, despite earlier agreeing to undertake the process. The state government had taken up the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), but the Centre insisted on continuing the process. Meanwhile, the Manipur government has begun the biometric data collection for Myanmarese staying in the state and has requested the Centre to extend the time for the process by a year.

Thousands of Myanmar nationals sought refuge in both Mizoram and Manipur following the military takeover in Myanmar in February 2021. The MHA had earlier instructed both states to capture biometric and biographic details of “illegal migrants” by September this year. Mizoram’s decision comes as the state prepares for assembly polls, likely to be held in November or December this year.