A 30 July statement released by the India-based advocacy organization India For Myanmar has condemned the Indian government’s policy of collecting the biometric data of refugees from Burma. In the statement, the group calls for an immediate stop of biometric data collection from refugees.
The Mizoram and Manipur State governments have begun collecting biometric data under a directive from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs. The biometric data collection campaign started on 29 July and is planned to run until September 2023.
Biometric data is used to classify the characteristics and identity of a person. The collection of biometric data can include taking finger prints, scanning of eyes, scanning of facial characteristics, building a DNA profile, and voice recognition.
Refugees who have left Burma and taken shelter in India are worried that the Indian government will monitor their movements using their biometric data and other technology. There is a concern that the Indian government will transfer their biometric data to the Burmese military junta because they have a good diplomatic relationship.
“We are worried that the Indian government will share their biometric databases with the Burmese military council. The military junta is also collecting biometric data in Burma as part of their plan to hold a general election. We wonder if it is just a coincidence that the Indian government and Burmese military junta are collecting biometric data from Burmese nationals at the same time,” Salai Doh Khur told Khonumthung news.
In its statement, India For Myanmar said that by forcing refugees to have their biometric data collected the India government is violating their right to privacy. The organization stated that biometric data collection must have informed consent beforehand through a clear process in which refugees confirm or refuse their consent.
A representative of India For Myanmar raised concerns about how the biometric data will be used after it is collected.
“We are worried that they will use this biometric data in ways that are illegal. These refugees have taken shelter in India because they are affected by a political crisis. For example, these refugees include government staff, soldiers and police officers who joined the civil disobedience movement against the military regime. They are worried that the Indian government will deport them back to Burma. Another thing that we are worried about is that they will use this biometric data in illegal drug related matters because the Manipuri government has accused Burmese nationals of being involved with drug trafficking in Manipur state. This is why we are worried that they will use this biometric data in crime related matters. Therefore, we strongly condemn and oppose against it,” Salai Doh Khur, a leader of India For Myanmar, told Khonumthung news.
India For Myanmar said that the people who have fled to India have suffered mentally and physically because they have lost everything in Burma. They fled to India because they have faced a political crisis, violence and various kinds of human rights violations.