August 9, 2025

A big biometric enrolment drive for refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh has started in Mizoram! The Mizoram Home Department's senior official shared, “Serchhip district administration first launched the biometric enrolment drive for the refugees on July 30 and subsequently other districts initiated the biometric enrolment process. Around 11,000 refugees’ biometrics and biographic data were registered.” This shows the exciting progress happening across the state. But it’s not all smooth sailing. The official also revealed the challenge: “There are technical hurdles and poor network connection which these people are battling.” For example, in Champhai district—home to around 13,580 Myanmar refugees—the biometric process began on July 31. Can the teams overcome these hurdles quickly? Mizoram shelters about 33,000 refugees from Myanmar scattered over 11 districts. Meanwhile, over 2,370 refugees from the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh are mainly settled in Lawngtlai district, which borders both Myanmar and Bangladesh. Recognizing the urgency, the Mizoram government has trained district officials to smoothly collect biometric and biographic data. This shows serious dedication! Why did so many refugees arrive? After Myanmar’s military coup in February 2021, many fled for safety. Most refugees belong to the Chin tribes, who are ethnically and culturally very similar to the majority Mizo people of Mizoram. This closeness is heartwarming and helps the refugees feel at home, as they are now sheltered in camps. With determination and teamwork, Mizoram is making strides in registering refugees and offering them support. Despite technical issues and poor networks, the biometric enrolment drive is a vital step towards helping thousands of refugees find safety and dignity.

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Tags: Mizoram, Refugees, Biometric enrolment, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Chin tribes,