In recent days, Mizoram, the picturesque Northeastern state of India, has been witnessing a growing exodus of the Meitei community following the surfacing of a distressing video depicting the assault on two Kuki-Zomi women in neighboring Manipur. The Meiteis, a small community residing in Mizoram’s capital Aizawl, are feeling the brunt of the ethnic violence in Manipur, leading many of them to seek safety elsewhere.
The situation escalated when the Peace Accord MNF Returnees’ Association (PAMRA), an association of former underground Mizo National Front Militants, issued a statement urging Meiteis living in Mizoram to leave “for their own safety,” according to Indian Express report. This advisory came in the wake of the violent incident against the Zo ethnic community in Manipur, which deeply hurt the sentiments of the Mizo people, leading them to be concerned about the security of the Meitei people residing in their state.
The Mizos of Mizoram share a profound ethnic bond with the Kuki-Zomis of Manipur, and the ongoing violence in the neighboring state has sparked fear and panic among the Meiteis living in Aizawl. Despite efforts by the Mizoram Home Department to assure the Meiteis that they are not under direct threat, the sense of insecurity has driven many to leave their homes and belongings behind in their rented houses.
The exodus began on Saturday, with some Meiteis already en route to their homes in Assam’s Cachar district, a journey of approximately seven hours by road. The urgency was evident as many sought shelter at Aizawl airport, hoping for a way out of the state.
The situation has left the Manipur government deeply concerned, and Manipur government spokesperson Sapam Ranjan Singh stated that the government was in touch with the All Mizoram Manipuri Association to address the tensions. The Mizoram government has also been actively engaging with representatives of the Meitei community to ensure their safety and dispel any misconceptions arising from the PAMRA statement.
Meanwhile, Hindustan Times reported that senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal drew attention to the situation in Mizoram, calling for a sensitive and proactive government response. He highlighted the need for a compassionate approach, rather than reactive measures, to address the escalating ethnic tensions in the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, reports suggest that the exodus of Meiteis from Mizoram has not abated. Despite assurances from the Mizoram government and clarifications from PAMRA that their statement was merely an advisory, not a forced evacuation, many Meiteis have already left the state, with over 200 people having departed over the weekend, as per Times of India’s report.
Civil rights activist Irom Sharmila, known for her 16-year hunger strike demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Manipur, expressed profound sorrow upon witnessing the disturbing viral video. Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly, she voiced her concerns about the complete failure of the state government in Manipur to control the situation. She questioned the Prime Minister’s silence and urged him to take proactive measures to protect the people of Manipur. Emphasizing the need for strong leadership, she asserted that like the people of Gujarat, the people of Manipur also require the Prime Minister’s intervention to alleviate their suffering.
In addition, Irom Sharmila criticized the ban on the internet in Manipur, which was imposed in response to the unrest. She believes that this measure has not helped in controlling the violence; rather, it has hindered the victims’ chances of seeking justice. According to her, access to the internet could have facilitated the pursuit of justice for the women who were subjected to the horrific strip-and-parade incident, leading to the apprehension of the culprits responsible for the heinous act. Her statement emphasizes the importance of free communication channels to ensure transparency and accountability during times of unrest.
The Chenab Times News Desk