Assam Rifles Biometric Drive Targets Myanmar Refugees in Manipur

Imphal: Assam Rifles joined forces with Manipur Police and civil officials on Tuesday to process displaced Myanmar nationals in the Kamjong district. The team swept through the villages of Phaikoh, Shangkhalok, and Aloyo to document those hiding from the turmoil back home. They processed roughly 500 individuals in a single day.

Forty personnel handled the identity verification, biometric enrollment, and demographic paperwork. This operation serves as Phase II of Operation Anchor. The program aims to keep the border secure while maintaining humanitarian oversight. Officials described the initiative as a way to "balance national security imperatives with regulated humanitarian oversight along the sensitive India-Myanmar border."

This push follows earlier security upgrades in the region. Phase I focused on physical deterrents like electronic surveillance, extra patrols, and strategic fencing. Authorities want to stop illegal crossings once and for all.