After Manipur, Mizoram started the process of collecting Biometric details of 35,000 Myanmar nationals due to a sudden increase in the number of immigrants. Since February 2021, over 35,000 immigrants have been displaced to Mizoram for shelter, this move will help to record important data to manage the current situation significantly. The Mizoram government is following the instruction from the Home Ministry and has commenced the process, this is expected to complete by the end of September.
The State’s Home Department office on Special Duty-cum-joint secretary, David H. Lalthangliana stated last week that, over 11 districts had begun the process of collecting biometric data, with a specific focus on the relief camps, where many of the refugees have sought shelter.
In April, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) instructed both Manipur and Myanmar to collect the biometric information of the illegal immigrants from Myanmar who traveled to these states, and in June these states were once again reminded to complete the process by September 30. But the pilot exercise was delayed because the original format needed some changes to allow for the collection of data from Myanmar nationals.
Earlier, the Mizoram Government had provided identity cards while collecting information from Myanmar nationals. Chief Minister Zoramthanga had objected center’s order for deporting the Myanmar nationals, highlighting that Mizoram could not push them back since they share the same ethnic background and the decision to provide shelter was made on the basis of humanity.
The majority of immigrants from Myanmar are residing in relief camps. While some of them are staying with their relatives or have temporarily rented a house for accommodation. The Government, NGOs, Churches, and villagers have been providing them with food to support them while they are staying in the state. Some of the immigrants are working as laborers to survive their living.
Manipur & Mizoram tackles illegal immigrants from Myanmar
Before Mizoram, Manipur started the Biometric profiling of the immigrants from Myanmar as per the instructions from the Minister of Home Affairs. The Manipur government resumed the campaign on 29th July. The center has advised completing the biometric campaign by the end of September 2024, said the joint (home) secretary Peter Salam in a press release.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) provided assistance to Manipur officials in the biometric capture exercise on Saturday at the foreigners’ detention center in Sajiwa of the Imphal East district, according to a press release. The NCRB team was sent by the Ministry of Home Affairs to train and support Manipur officials.
The Campaign will run until the biometric information is captured for all illegal immigrants coming from Myanmar to the state of Manipur and the target to complete the process of capturing details should be done by the end of September.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh on February 2024 has informed the 60-member state assembly that, over 393 Myanmar citizens were arrested in the state between January 1, 2012 and February 2024.
In March, the Manipur government had planned to set up a temporary shelter accommodating around 5,000 illegal immigrants after the Myanmar nationals started to enter the state due to an increase in crisis in the neighboring country. A 398-kilometer international boundary separated Manipur from Myanmar.
Myanmar Nationals Entered Manipur & Mizoram Amid Violence
Over 700 Myanmar Nationals entered Manipur amid the horrific situation in the state. The Home Department of the Manipur government issued a statement and urges Assam Rifles to take strict action against 718 Illegal immigrants from Myanmar who entered the state within two days.
The Government questioned the entry of illegal immigrants to the country although the government had announced the security forces related to similar illegal entries in India in the past. The government has asked Assam rifles to take strict actions against those who are trying to enter the country without proper Visas or travel documents.
The Government instructed the Chandel district deputy commissioner and the Superintendent of police to look over the matter and keep all records of the biometrics details and photographs of the citizen of Myanmar.
