Assam Rifles Starts Biometric Drive for Myanmar Refugees in Manipur

Imphal: Assam Rifles teamed up with local police and health workers on June 30 to start a biometric registration drive in Manipur. The operation targets displaced Myanmar nationals hiding out in the Kamjong district villages of Phaikoh, Shangkhalok, and Aloyo. Teams gathered demographic data and fingerprints from roughly 500 individuals.

This push is part of Operation Anchor. The first phase focused on tightening fence lines and beefing up border patrols. Now, the government wants a clear count of who is living in these temporary camps. Officials stated the biometric database is intended to "eliminate anonymity, facilitate transparent delivery of medical and humanitarian assistance, and provide the Union and state governments with verified records to support policy decisions relating to border management and internal security."

The Kamjong district administration directed the effort. They need a centralized database to track movement and plan services. By building a verified record, authorities hope to balance aid with tighter security controls along the volatile Indo-Myanmar border.