The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Aizawl, Lalhriatpuia, has issued a stern directive prohibiting refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh, currently sheltered in Mizoram, from acquiring Indian identity documents such as Aadhaar cards, Voter IDs, or residential certificates. The order, dated March 18, comes in response to growing concerns over a potential demographic shift in the region due to illegal immigration, particularly from Myanmar, which has been linked to unrest in neighbouring Manipur.

The directive aligns with guidance from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which has urged border states to curb the influx of immigrants and prevent them from obtaining Indian identification. “Refugees have no legal rights to acquire Indian IDs,” the DC’s order stated, explicitly barring local councils, civil society, and branches of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) from aiding such efforts. This move follows reports of refugees illegally procuring Indian documents, raising alarms about security and demographic stability.

Mizoram, sharing a 510-km porous border with Myanmar, currently hosts 33,505 Myanmar refugees, predominantly from the Chin ethnic group, alongside 2,217 from Bangladesh, as per Home Minister K Sapdanga. The influx, triggered by Myanmar’s 2021 military coup, has strained resources and sparked fears of a broader regional impact. In Manipur, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has repeatedly blamed illegal immigration from Myanmar for fueling ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, displacing over 50,000 people since May 2023. The state has deported batches of Myanmar nationals, citing threats to indigenous demographics and national security.

Adding to these developments, the Election Commission of India (ECI) recently announced plans to link Aadhaar cards with Voter IDs to detect and eliminate fake voters, a move welcomed by N Biren Singh. On March 18, Singh praised the decision, stating it would “enhance electoral transparency and prevent malpractices,” aligning with constitutional provisions and Supreme Court judgments to safeguard electoral integrity.

Mizoram’s Home Secretary Vanlalmawia emphasized that the state is acting on central directives, with district collectors tasked to monitor the situation. Critics, however, argue that ethnic ties with refugees complicate enforcement, as local support persists despite the official stance. The order, coupled with the ECI’s initiative, underscores a delicate balance between humanitarian concerns and safeguarding regional stability.