20 May 2010: The Immigration Department of Burma is undertaking a census as of early May for those who complete 18 years on 18 October 2010 in all townships in Chin state.

“Immigration Department employees are collecting data on those who complete 18 years in October in each of our families,” said a local in Matupi Township.

“They are collecting and verifying all details of the family registration card and scrutinizing members of each family as to where they are staying. If someone is missing in the family they will ask us where he/she is and when they will be back,” said Mr. Khuphleithang in Falam town.

Some families are apprehensive about deleting the names of family members, who are working abroad, from the family registration card. Once deleted they will no longer remain citizens of Burma, he added.

The junta had undertaken a census of 18 year-olds for the 2008 referendum. Now it is being done again for the general elections. –