Mizoram: Identity cards issued to citizens of Myanmar.

Aizawl: The Mizoram government has issued identity cards to Myanmar nationals seeking asylum in different parts of the state, a state Home Department official said on Friday.

The official said the ID cards, which indicate that Myanmar citizens have been granted asylum in the state on humanitarian grounds, are part of the state government’s initiative to maintain proper refugee documents. There is no justification for them outside the state.

He said that the identity cards would facilitate quick and easy identification of the citizens of Myanmar and would be helpful in maintaining law and order.

He said that he would also prevent foreign nationals from registering in the state electoral rolls.

He said that identity cards were being distributed to the citizens of Myanmar in their respective districts where they are now taking refuge.
At least 1,110 Myanmar nationals seeking asylum in the district were issued identity cards on Thursday, according to a district official in Hnahthial .

Official sources said the Lawngtlai district administration has so far issued ID cards to 4,794 Myanmar refugees who had taken refuge in the southern district bordering Myanmar.

Aizawl Deputy Commissioner Lalhriatzuali Ralte said the Aizawl district administration would issue ID cards to Myanmar nationals seeking asylum in the capital next week.

South Mizoram’s Siha district has the highest number of Myanmar citizens at 9,464, according to statistics, followed by Champhai District (7,810) and Langtai District (5,475).

At least 1,916 Myanmar nationals have been displaced in Azul district, 1,986 in Lunglei district, 1,732 in Hnahthial district, 433 in Serchhip district, 149 in Kolasib district, 450 in Mamit district, 64 in Khawzawl district and 53 She has taken refuge in Saitual district.

Mizoram’s six districts – Champhai , Siaha, Lawngtlai, Serchhip, Hnahthial and Saitual- share a 510 km long international border with the Chen state of Myanmar.