Mizoram govt assures Meitei community living in safety, tells them not to listen to rumours
Published Date – 23rd Sunday 23rd July 06:40
Aizawl: The Mizoram government on Saturday assured the Metai community living in a state of safety and told them to ignore the rumours.
The government’s assurances came amid reports that the Mizoram ex-militants’ association had made a “recommendation” to Metais to leave the state amid tensions over the viral video of two women being paraded naked by thugs in Manipur.
State Home Affairs Commissioner and Secretary H. Lalengmawia held a meeting with leaders of the Meitei community and assured them of their safety, an official statement said.
During a meeting with the leaders of the All Mizoram Manipuri Association (AMMA), Larangamwey asked them to inform and persuade their fellow Metai people, including government employees and students, not to leave Mizoram after the Peace Agreement Multinational Force Returnees Association (PAMRA) issued its advice.
He told leaders that PAMRA’s press statement had been misinterpreted by parts of the media.
The Home Secretary also held a meeting with PAMRA leaders who clarified that the press release was issued as a recommendation to the Meitei community residing in Mizoram to exercise caution in light of public sentiment over the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, the statement said.
The leader also informed the Home Secretary that the press release was not an order or notice of resignation to the Metti family, the report said.
The statement added that while regretting that their press statement was misinterpreted, in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the state, PAMRA leaders have decided not to proceed with their release.
Earlier on Friday, PAMRA Secretary General C. Lalthenlova said they were concerned about the safety of the Meitei community in Mizoram state as many Mizo youths were outraged after the video went viral.
He also said they had just issued an appeal just in case anything unfortunate happened.
Police said several Thais had returned to their hometowns on Saturday amid heightened tensions.
Several thousand Metai live in Mizoram, mostly from Manipur and southern Assam.
Mizoram Police Deputy Commissioner (Northern Region) Lallianmawia said security has been stepped up in some places and institutions, including Mizoram University and Zoram Medical College, where a large number of Metais study.
He told the Press Trust of India: “We have deployed police personnel in some areas and institutions where the Meites live and are patrolling regularly to avoid any unpleasant incidents.”
He said there had been no untoward incidents until Saturday. He said the police department is in constant contact with leaders of the Meating community.
Lallianmawia said Meiteis felt insecure and scared, not because of the PAMRA press release, but because of a protest rally proposed by civil society groups on July 25.
He said the Meitei community was concerned about problems after the rally because the violence in Manipur started after the tribal unity march on May 3.
The Central Committee of the Mizo Youth Association (CYMA) issued a press release on Saturday, reassuring the people of Mingting not to be intimidated by the proposed rally and calling on them to live in peace.
The group also urged the Manipur state government to ensure the safety of the Impermizo students.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. J. Lalhmingliana, the state’s chief adviser on civil aviation, said 65 Meitei personnel were flown to Manipur on Saturday.
All tickets for the next flight on the Aizawl-Imphal route on Monday are also fully booked, he said.
