Mizoram: Former Militant Outfit Asks Meiteis To Leave State For Their 'Own Safety'

Following a public call by former Mizoram insurgents, the government of Mizoram has taken steps to ensure the safety of Meiteis in the capital Aizawl.

The Peace Accord MNF Returnees' Association (PAMRA) issued a statement from Aizawl on Friday, asking Meiteis to leave Mizoram for their "own safety".

The association cited the "anger among Mizo youth" over the mistreatment of two women in the neighbouring state Manipur as the reason for their concern. PAMRA said that the violence against the Zo-ethnic community in Manipur has deeply hurt Mizo sentiments.

The outfit warned that if any violence were to occur against Meiteis in Mizoram, the responsibility would lie with the Meiteis themselves.

"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 reads, reports NDTV.

During a telephonic conversation, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga had previously assured the Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh of the safety of Meiteis in Mizoram.

Following this development, the Manipur government reportedly again held discussions with both Mizoram and the Central government.

On Wednesday, a video emerged showing two women from one of the warring communities in Manipur being paraded naked and subjected to molestation by a mob from the other side.

The alleged main accused was subsequently apprehended on Thursday.

The statement from the former militants 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, who share ancestry with the Mizos.