Around 500 displaced Myanmar nationals staying in temporary relief camps in Manipur's Kamjong district underwent biometric registration on Tuesday as authorities intensified efforts to strengthen border governance, enhance internal security and streamline humanitarian assistance.
The verification exercise was conducted on June 30 in Phaikoh, Shangkhalok and Aloyo villages by a joint team comprising around 40 officials from the district administration, medical personnel and the Assam Rifles.
According to the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South), the exercise forms part of Phase II of Operation Anchor, an initiative aimed at creating an authenticated database of displaced Myanmar nationals. The database is expected to support civil administration, facilitate targeted delivery of medical assistance and improve internal security through verified identification.
Also read: 4 Myanmar nationals held in Manipur drug trafficking case
The Assam Rifles said the first phase of Operation Anchor focused on strengthening physical border denial through electronic surveillance systems and targeted border fencing. Phase II seeks to improve demographic tracking and assist both the state and Central governments in policy planning by eliminating anonymity through biometric verification.
The latest exercise comes nearly two months after Myanmar-based militant groups allegedly attacked and set fire to three border villages—Z Choro, Namlee and Wanglee, on May 7, prompting heightened security measures along the Indo-Myanmar border, according to the Assam Rifles.
Manipur shares a 398-km international border with Myanmar and has witnessed a steady influx of displaced persons fleeing the prolonged conflict in the neighbouring country.
The movement of Myanmar nationals into the state began after the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 and has continued amid the armed conflict between the military junta and resistance groups, placing additional humanitarian and security responsibilities on the border state.
Follow us
