‘Exodus’ of Meitei from Mizoram under panic; Manipur Govt commits flights, Mizo Govt urges not to leave

The turmoil in Manipur has now spilled over panic in neighboring Mizoram, a state that will witness elections later this year. The viral video of two women that shook the conscience of the nation has stoked fears among people belonging to Meitei community settled in Mizoram of retaliatory attacks on them. Important to mention there has been no untoward incident reported in Mizoram as yet, however, Peace Accord MNF Returnees’ Association (PAMRA) — an association of former underground Mizo National Front Militants — issued a statement on Friday warning Meitei people residing in Mizoram to leave “for their own safety”. Many people belonging to the Meitei community have started leaving the state on Saturday. Manipur Government has said that it will facilitate their evacuation process and arrange for chartered flights.

PAMRA press release written in Mizo stated that the Mizo sentiments have been deeply hurt by the developments and the violence meted out to the Zo-ethnic community in Manipur. “The situation in Mizoram has become tense and it’s 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” read the PAMRA statement. It further added that if there happens any violence upon the Meitei people in Mizoram then “they will be responsible”. This comes soon after the shocking and equally shameful May 4 video of two Kuki women went viral creating nation wide outrage.

Close to 2000 Meitei people reside in Aizawl, capital city of Mizoram, many of them are also government employees and students. After the violence broke out in Manipur more than 12,000 people belonging to Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, escaped and have taken refuge in Mizoram. The Mizos of Mizoram share a long history of a deep rooted ethnic bond with the Kuki-Zo community people of Manipur. The press statement of PAMRA has thus being taken seriously by the Meitei people in Mizoram.

Mizoram police has already issued directives and ordered deployment of additional forces at four specific locations in order to thwart anything untoward keeping the safety of people in mind. “Mizo people are humble and there has been no incident as yet. But after the Friday statement several Meiteis have started leaving their homes here out of fear. People are also leaving by road, specially those from the Barak valley region. There are people who have gone to airport for a first flight out”, said a senior police officer from Mizoram.

The Mizoram Government on the other hand has urged people to not panic and leave the state. “I spoke to the PAMRA today and they said that their message had been misinterpreted. They said that it was not a threat but an expression of concern for the security of the Meitei people, issued in good faith. Because of the effect it has had, we resolved that they will withdraw their statement.” said Mizoram Home Commissioner H Lalengmawia, as being quoted by The Indian Express.