Mizo fanatics see red in Census

AIZAWL, MAY 23 (AGENCIES): The census operations in Mizoram have run into an unusual antagonism from some groups of religious fanatics who have perceived the head count, particularly the Unique Identity (UID) cards, as a bad omen. Referring to verses in the book of revelation in the Bible, which deals with the end of the world, followers of some

sects and cults in the Christian-dominated Mizoram believe that getting identified with Unique Identification Numbers would mean getting identified by the 'Beast', mentioned in the revelation.
Revelation 13:17 says, ''No man might buy or sell, save the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name. ''Before the end comes, the number and symbol of the Beast or Satan would be distributed to mankind and everybody would be counted by the Prince of Darkness.'' Interestingly, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) states that no one can buy or sell any property without UID card.
The census operation kicked-off in Mizoram on May 15 from the residence of Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla.
''There is a serious misconception about the UID identification process. I don't know how to deal with these people, some of whom are even educated,'' said Aizawl DC C Thanchhuma.
The Aizawl district administrator has written to State government asking for instructions to deal with those who refuse to give their details to the census officials. He said some would rather face penalty than 'giving their names to the Beast.' Officials said the enumerators have faced such problems in many places across the state, even in the state capital.
One enumerator said a couple in his area got into a fight when the wife refused to give her details.
''The woman believed that giving her names in the census would mean getting identified by the Devil. Then, her husband beat her up,'' the enumerator.
The issue was hotly debated upon in a religious seminar on the Biblical prophecy of the end of the world here on May 21 and 22.
Speaking at the seminar, a popular Christian scholar Dr P C Biaksiama explained that the mark or number of the Beast would be placed on the hand or the forehead.
''This UID card is in any way cannot be the identification by the Beast. This UID card is meant to distinguish between Indians and foreigners to safeguard the citizens. It will bar foreigners from buying property such as land in our country,'' he said.
However, some section of the seminar participants refused to eat the scholar's words and walked out of the seminar hall.