In anticipation of state-wide protests by Mizo organisations in solidarity with the Zo ethnic people affected by violence in Manipur, security has been significantly strengthened across Mizoram. The move comes after reports of Meiteis fleeing the state in response to a statement issued by an ex-militant group. On Sunday, 78 people flew to Manipur on three separate flights, while 65 others flew to the neighbouring state on Saturday. However, officials clarified that because these flights were scheduled commercial services, it was not immediately clear how many were regular passengers and how many were fleeing due to fear, news agency PTI reported.
In addition, 41 Meitei people from Mizoram travelled by road to Assam's Cachar district, following the ex-militants' group's advice to leave the state, which was prompted by the viral distribution of a video showing a naked parade of two women in Manipur. Furthermore, 31 Mizo students from Manipur returned to Mizoram due to the current situation.
The NGO Co-Ordination Committee, which includes the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), will hold demonstrations across Mizoram on Tuesday to show solidarity with the Zo ethnic community in strife-torn Manipur.
Mizoram's Director-General of Police (DGP), Anil Shukla, convened a high-level meeting on Sunday to assess security arrangements, the report said. Measures to ensure the safety and security of Meitei residents in various parts of the state have been thoroughly reviewed.
To prevent any untoward incidents, Shukla directed police officers to implement robust deployment, patrolling, and vigilant monitoring in all districts, particularly in vulnerable areas. He emphasised the importance of keeping a sufficient number of reserve forces on hand, complete with vehicles and officers, for rapid deployment in the event of an emergency, it added.
The DGP, accompanied by a team of senior police officers, paid a visit to the Aizawl locations where the demonstrations are scheduled to take place on Tuesday. The state police are closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with administrative officials. Senior officers and police officers are working hard to ensure the safety and security of Manipuri people living throughout Mizoram, according to the report.
Mizoram Home Secretary H Lalengmawia assured Meitei leaders of their safety and security during a meeting on Saturday. The Peace Accord MNF Returnees' Association (PAMRA) later clarified that their previous statement had been misinterpreted.
The association stated that the issued statement was meant to be an advisory, urging the Meitei community in Mizoram to be cautious in light of public sentiments surrounding the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.