Mizoram starts issuing identity cards to Myanmarese refugees: Official

A total of 29,532 Myanmarese refugees have fled their homes and sought shelter in all the 11 districts of Mizoram since the military takeover, as per official data

The Myanmar government has started issuing identity cards to Myanmarese refugees who have taken shelter in the northeastern State following the military takeover of the neighbouring country in February last year, a Home Department official said on April 9.

“The identity cards, which will be valid only in Mizoram, will facilitate speedy and easier identification of the refugees, besides preventing them from enrolling in the State’s voters’ list,” he said.

“Besides showing basic information about the refugee concerned, the identity card mentions that the holder is taking shelter in Mizoram on humanitarian grounds,” the official said.

A total of 29,532 Myanmarese refugees have fled their homes and sought shelter in all the 11 districts of Mizoram since the military takeover, as per official data accessed by PTI.

Most of the refugees are from Myanmar's Chin state and share ethnic ties with Mizos. A majority of them live in refugee camps, while others reside with their relatives or in rented houses. The district administrations have been tasked with issuing the identity cards. Different districts have started the process on separate dates, while some districts are yet to begin the exercise.

“Serchhip started the process in February, while Hnahthial distributed 1,110 cards on Thursday and Lawngtlai, which borders Myanmar, has issued 4,794 cards so far. The exact number of such documents issued thus far is yet to be collated,” the official said.