Mizoram not to collect biometric data of Myanmar, Bangladesh refugees: CM

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on February 29 said his government would not collect biometric details of Myanmar and Bangladesh refugees.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on February 29 said his government would not collect biometric details of Myanmar and Bangladesh refugees.

The Chief Minister said the Centre is currently providing assistance to the State government to provide relief to refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh and internally displaced people (IDP) from Manipur, who are taking shelter in the State.

CM Lalduhoma informed the Assembly on Thursday that the Ministry of Home Affairs had directed the State government to collect biometric data of Myanmar and Bangladesh refugees in April last year.

“Although the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government had initially processed the initiative towards the Centre direction by conducting training and appointing nodal officers, the Council of Ministers in its meeting held in September last year decided not to conduct biometric and biographic enrollment for Myanmar and Bangladesh refugees citing it is not advisable to undertake biometric and biographic preparation due to the State Assembly polls to be held in November that year,” he said.

"Our government has decided not to collect biometric details of Myanmar and Bangladesh refugees. During my meeting with the Union Home Minister in January, I told him that the Centre is using the existing portal, which is meant for deportation of illegal immigrants, for collecting biometric details of refugees," Mr. Lalduhoma said while replying to a question from Opposition MNF member Robert Romawia Royte.

He said that the Myanmar and Bangladesh nationals, who took refuge in the State, feared deportation due to the Centre's directive to collect biometric data from them.