Meiteis in Mizoram get security cover after former insurgents 'leave state' call amid ethnic strife

In response to a public call made by former Mizoram insurgents, the government of Mizoram has taken steps to provide security cover for people from the Meitei community residing in the capital city of Aizawl. The Peace Accord MNF Returnees' Association (PAMRA) issued a statement from Aizawl, urging Meiteis to leave Mizoram for their safety. The call came after Mizo sentiments were deeply hurt by an incident in the neighboring state of Manipur, where two women from the Zo-ethnic community were paraded naked, resulting in widespread condemnation.

Also read: Manipur sexual assault case: Police nabs 19-year-old accused; fifth arrest in 3 days

PAMRA stated that there is a sense of anger among Mizo youth over the violence inflicted on the Zo-ethnic community in Manipur. The organization warned that if any violence were to occur against Meiteis in Mizoram, the Meitei people themselves would bear the responsibility. The situation in Mizoram has become tense, making it unsafe for Meiteis from Manipur to continue living there due to the heinous acts committed by miscreants in Manipur, according to the statement issued by PAMRA.

"The situation in Mizoram has become tense, and it is no longer safe for Meitei people from Manipur to live in Mizoram in the wake of barbaric and heinous acts committed by miscreants in Manipur...The PAMRA appeals to all Meitei people in Mizoram to leave for their home state as a safety measure," the statement read.

Reports quoting sources within the Mizoram government revealed that measures have already been taken to ensure the safety of Meitei individuals. Chief Minister Zoramthanga had a telephonic conversation with his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh, assuring the safety of Meiteis in Mizoram. The Manipur government engaged in further discussions with Mizoram and the Central government following this development.

The incident that sparked the tensions was captured on a video shot on May 4 and surfaced on Wednesday, showing two women from one of the warring communities in Manipur being paraded naked and molested by a mob from the other side. The main accused in the incident was arrested on Thursday. The incident has resulted in widespread condemnation across the country.

The former militants' statement highlighted the anger and anguish among Mizo youths over the actions of Meiteis against Zo or Kuki ethnic people in Manipur, who share ancestry with the Mizos. The appeal made by PAMRA was specifically directed towards Meiteis from Manipur and not those from other regions. Thousands of Meiteis, including students from Manipur and Assam, currently reside in Mizoram. Additionally, over 12,000 Kukis displaced from Manipur have reportedly found refuge in the northeastern state, which has a predominantly Christian population.

Also read: Govt agencies intensify scrutiny amid outrage over Manipur viral video; over 6,000 cases filed so far

PAMRA, a non-political organization of former Mizo National Front (MNF) militants, seeks the implementation of all clauses of the Mizo Peace Accord. The state of Mizoram has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 3 when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

More than 160 people have lost their lives, and several others have been injured in the violence. The Meiteis constitute approximately 53 per cent of Manipur's population and mainly reside in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up around 40 per cent and primarily live in the hill districts.