Superstition Keeps Mizos Off Census

Aizawl, May 22 : Census enumerators in Mizoram are facing an unusual problem: a battle between digit and doctrine. Some cults and sects believe the head count exercise, especially the introduction of identity (smart) cards and unique identification numbers, would be ominous.

They referred to "relevant verses" in the chapter on Revelation in the Bible to support their qualms. The census operation commenced on May 15 in this tiny hilly northeastern state with a population of around 10 lakh.

The count was kicked off recording details of chief minister Lal Thanhawla and his wife Lal Rilliani.

Even as the CM appealed to the people of Mizoram to fully cooperate with the census officials in this mammoth task so that correct data could be obtained for proper planning and development works, many Christian sects believed they should not register their names with the government and be given the number of the Beast as mentioned in the Bible.

Revelation Chapter 13 deals with the end of the world which says 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. One enumerator said she saw fear writ large on the faces of some
villagers.