The Mizoram government on Saturday assured the people of Meitei community living in the state of safety and asked them not to pay heed to rumours. The government’s assurance came amid reports of Meiteis fleeing the state following an “advisory” by an ex-militant’s association of Mizoram asking them to leave due to tension triggered by the viral video of two tribal women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur, as per a report by the news agency PTI.
On Friday, Peace Accord MNF Returnees' Association, in a statement issued from Aizawl said, “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.
‘Anger Among Mizo Youth’
In its statement, the PAMRA said there is anger among Mizo youths who are deeply anguished over the "barbaric and atrocious act of Meiteis" against Zo or Kuki ethnic people in Manipur. It also warned that Meiteis will be responsible in any case of eventuality if they disregard the appeal and fail to leave for their safety.
PAMRA secretary general C Lalthenlova said that it was a normal appeal and should not be regarded as a diktat or a warning.
"We simply appeal to the Meiteis to leave for their state to avoid any untoward incident. We do not serve them a diktat," Lalthenlova told PTI.
He said the appeal was only for Meiteis from Manipur and not those from elsewhere.
Mizoram Officials Hold Meeting With Meiteis
To assure Meiteis of safety, Mizoram home commissioner and secretary H. Lalengmawia held a meeting with leaders of the Meitei community and assured them of their safety and security, an official statement said.
Lalengamwia asked the leaders of All Mizoram Manipuri Association (AMMA) during the meeting to inform and persuade their fellow Meiteis, both government employees and students, not to leave Mizoram in the wake of the advisory issued by the PAMRA.
The home secretary also convened a meeting with leaders of PAMRA, who clarified that the press release was issued as an advisory requesting the Meitei community living in Mizoram to exercise caution in the light of public sentiments regarding the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, the statement said.