Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has declared that his government will not collect the biometric details of Myanmar and Bangladesh refugees who have taken shelter in the state. The decision was made due to concerns over the upcoming state assembly polls and the use of an existing portal meant for the deportation of illegal immigrants to collect biometric data. Lalduhoma reassured that no refugees would be deported until peace is restored in the neighbouring countries. The state government is currently providing assistance to the refugees and internally displaced people from Manipur with its own resources, along with continuous support from the Central government. According to the state Home department, there are currently 32,221 Myanmar nationals taking shelter in Mizoram, with the highest number of refugees in Champhai district. Additionally, there are 1,167 Bangladeshi nationals in Lawngtlai district. Mizoram is also providing shelter to over 9,000 internally displaced people from Manipur. The refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh sought refuge in Mizoram due to the political situation in their respective countries, while the internally displaced people from Manipur fled due to ethnic violence. The Chief Minister’s decision to not collect biometric data aims to protect the privacy and well-being of these refugees.