In the wake of escalating ethnic violence and hostilities between the tribal Kuki and the non-tribal Meitei communities in Manipur, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has assured his Manipur counterpart, N. Biren Singh, of providing security to the people belonging to the Meitei community residing in Mizoram. Thousands of Meitei individuals have been residing in Mizoram for many years, contributing to various professions.
During a phone conversation between the Chief Ministers of Mizoram and Manipur on Sunday, they discussed the urgent need to ensure the safety and well-being of the Meitei community members in Mizoram. Chief Minister Zoramthanga affirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and security, stating that the Mizoram government deeply regrets the ongoing violence and has taken measures to address the issue.
Furthermore, the Mizoram government has sought Rs 10 crore from the Central government to provide relief and support to the displaced people who have sought shelter in different districts of Mizoram due to the ethnic violence in Manipur. Chief Minister Zoramthanga has written two letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking financial assistance for the affected individuals.
In response to the prevailing unrest, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex Mizo student body, and the All Mizoram Meitei Association (AMMA) held a meeting in Aizawl. Both organisations have pledged to take appropriate measures to restore peace and put an end to the violence.
Meanwhile, in Manipur, hundreds of Meitei women staged protests in various districts, condemning the violence and expressing disappointment with the Centre and the state government for their alleged failure to contain the situation and provide security to innocent people. They also demanded the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur and protested against the infiltration of illegal immigrants from Myanmar.
The Mizoram government’s assurance of security and the concerted efforts of various organisations signal a ray of hope for the Meitei community and all those affected by the violence, aiming to foster peaceful coexistence and restore stability in the region.
