Is the Unique Identity Project Satan’s Mark?

Some orthodox Christians in Mizoram believe it is. So much so that they’re refusing to be counted for the Census.

A few orthodox Christian groups in Mizoram are vehemently opposing Census operations, particularly the Unique Identity (UID) project, which kicked off in the state on 15 May with Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla’s household being the first to be enumerated. They are convinced that getting the UID number would mean being identified by Satan. To support their contention, these extreme followers in the overwhelmingly Christian state refer to a verse in the Bible’s Book of Revelations, which deals with the subject of the end of the world. Revelation 13:17 states: ‘No man might buy or sell, save he that had 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.’ 

The UID number is being construed as the mark of Satan, especially since buying or selling property without the UID number would not be permitted after the number regime kicks in. Thus, a fair number of Christians, even highly educated ones in the state capital Aizawl, are refusing to get enumerated and give any information to Census officials. “Some groups have misinterpreted the UID project as the prophecy in the Book of Revelations. We’re trying to dispel such notions by carrying out awareness campaigns,” a senior state official tells Open from Aizawl. 

The state government is even planning to rope in prominent Church elders and clerics to boost this campaign. But it will be a tough job, as was evident at a religious seminar on Biblical prophecies held last weekend. An eminent Christian scholar, PC Biaksiama explained that the Book of Revelations explicitly states that the mark or number of the Beast would be stamped on the hands or forehead of a person and would not be on a card or document. The card with the IUD number will help citizens, he added. But a sizeable number of people refused to buy this and simply walked out of the seminar.

About The Author

Jaideep Mazumdar