Mizoram’s government is awaiting instructions from the Centre to commence biometric enrollment for over 33,000 Myanmar refugees in the state, according to a home department official.

A new biometric enrollment portal has been prepared, ready to collect data once the directive is received.

Previously, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had directed Mizoram and Manipur to gather biometric and biographic details of “illegal immigrants” by September last year. Despite initial preparations, the Mizoram government had delayed due to state assembly polls. The refugees fear deportation under the directive but have been assured safety until peace is restored in their home countries.

Currently, Champhai district hosts the highest number of Myanmar refugees, totaling 33,835 individuals across different shelters in the state.