Imphal: Around 500 Myanmar nationals sheltered in temporary camps in Manipur’s Kamjong district underwent biometric registration on Tuesday as authorities stepped up efforts to strengthen border governance and streamline humanitarian assistance.
The exercise was carried out on June 30 in Phaikoh, Shangkhalok and Aloyo villages by a joint team comprising around 40 district administration officials, medical personnel and Assam Rifles personnel.
According to the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South), the biometric verification is part of Phase II of Operation Anchor, which aims to establish an authenticated database of displaced Myanmar nationals to support civil administration, facilitate targeted medical relief and strengthen internal security.
The Assam Rifles said Phase I of Operation Anchor focused on physical border denial through electronic surveillance and targeted fencing, while the second phase seeks to improve demographic tracking and assist the state and central governments in policy planning by eliminating anonymity through a verified database.
The verification drive comes nearly two months after Myanmar-based militant groups attacked and set ablaze three border villages—Z Choro, Namlee and Wanglee, on May 7, according to the Assam Rifles.
Manipur shares a 398-km border with Myanmar and has witnessed an influx of displaced persons fleeing the continuing conflict in the neighbouring country.
Myanmar nationals have crossed into Manipur since the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 and the subsequent armed conflict between the military junta and resistance groups.