Imphal | Around 500 displaced Myanmar nationals residing in temporary camps in Manipur’s Kamjong district underwent biometric registration on June 30 as authorities intensified efforts to strengthen border management, enhance security monitoring and streamline humanitarian assistance.

The verification exercise was conducted in Phaikoh, Shangkhalok and Aloyo villages by a joint team comprising nearly 40 personnel from the district administration, medical departments and the Assam Rifles.

According to the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South), the biometric registration forms part of Phase II of Operation Anchor, an initiative aimed at creating an authenticated database of displaced Myanmar nationals taking shelter in the state. Officials said the exercise is intended to support civil administration, facilitate targeted delivery of medical and humanitarian aid, and strengthen internal security measures in border areas.

The Assam Rifles stated that Phase I of Operation Anchor focused on physical border denial through measures such as electronic surveillance and targeted fencing along vulnerable stretches of the international border. The ongoing second phase is designed to improve demographic tracking and provide reliable data to assist state and central governments in policy formulation and relief planning.

Officials said the creation of a verified database would help eliminate anonymity, improve monitoring mechanisms and ensure that assistance reaches intended beneficiaries more effectively.

The biometric verification drive comes nearly two months after Myanmar-based armed groups allegedly attacked and set fire to three border villages-Z Choro, Namlee and Wanglee-on May 7, according to the Assam Rifles.

Manipur shares a 398-kilometre international border with Myanmar and has witnessed a steady influx of displaced persons fleeing unrest in the neighbouring country.

Thousands of Myanmar nationals have crossed into border districts of Manipur since the military coup in Myanmar in February 2021 and the subsequent armed conflict between the ruling military junta and various resistance groups. The continuing instability has prompted Indian authorities to strengthen border management while providing humanitarian support to those displaced by the conflict.