Manipur Airlifts Meiteis from Mizoram Following Warnings from Ex-Militant Group 2023

Manipur Airlifts Meiteis from Mizoram Following Warnings from Ex-Militant Group 2023

Due to the unstable circumstances in Mizoram, PAMRA pushed the Meiteis to leave for their state.

• Due to the unstable situation in Mizoram, PAMRA advised the Meiteis to leave for their state.
• To evacuate the Meiteis, the Manipur government intends to deploy special ATR planes between Aizawl-Imphal and Aizawl-Silchar.
• The Mizoram Police has improved security measures to guarantee the protection of Meiteis in the city of Aizawl.

Due to rising tensions, the Manipur administration has arranged to fly Meiteis out of Mizoram. This choice was made in response to a warning from the Peace Accord MNF Returnees’ Association (PAMRA), a group of ex-militants in Mizoram’s capital city, Aizawl.

Due to the unstable circumstances in Mizoram, PAMRA pushed the Meiteis to leave for their state. “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,” PAMRA stated in a statement issued on Friday from Aizawl.

The uneasy situation was brought on by a troubling occurrence in Manipur on May 4. Two Kuki-Zo tribal women were displayed naked and subjected to sexual abuse by many males. On July 19, a video of the event circulated, causing Mizo teenagers to become very upset and angry.

The already complex relations between the Meitei population and other tribal tribes, such as the Nagas and Kukis, who primarily live in the region’s hill areas, have been exacerbated by this occurrence.

The Manipur administration has planned to deploy special ATR planes flying between Aizawl-Imphal and Aizawl-Silchar to evacuate the Meiteis in response to the mounting worries. According to India Today NE, the precise start date of the evacuation operation has yet to be determined.

A Meitei student who lives in Aizawl told India Today NE that the government has plans to evacuate Meiteis by air, but the exact date has yet to be determined.

According to a story in India Today NE, the Mizoram Police has tightened security measures to guarantee the safety of Meiteis in the city of Aizawl. Security has been boosted even further at Vety College in Selesih, Mizoram University in Tanhril, RIPANS in Zemabawk, and ZMC in Falkawn.

Due to the public outcry over the most recent viral video showing two tribal Kuki – Zo being brutally attacked in Manipur, tension may emerge that might endanger the security of Meiteis residing in Aizawl. The letter stated, “Security preparations are established to safeguard Meitei’s safety in Aizawl.

The Mizoram administration has informed the Meitei community that they are secure and have been urged to disregard rumours. H Lalengmawia, the secretary and state home commissioner, met with representatives of the Meitei people and assured them of their protection.

Some Meiteis have already decided to leave Mizoram despite these guarantees. The last flight between Aizawl and Imphal, scheduled on Monday, has all its seats reserved after 65 Meitei people flew off on Saturday for Manipur.

As attempts are made to end the turmoil and guarantee the security of all engaged groups, the situation is still tricky. The Meitei community has long demanded Scheduled Tribe (ST) recognition in Manipur, contributing to the latest violence. Conflicts and tensions with other tribal people, such as the Nagas and Kukis, have been brought about by this desire.

In a recent development that has attracted considerable international attention, the Indian state of Manipur has taken a bold step by initiating the airlift of the Meitei community from neighbouring Mizoram, following warnings from a former militant group.

The Meiteis, an ethnic group predominating in Manipur, has also lived harmoniously in Mizoram for generations. However, in 2023, a re-emerging issue of ethnic tension compelled the Manipur government to intervene and airlift its citizens back to safety. The crisis began with an ominous warning from a former militant group, whose name remains undisclosed due to security reasons.

As mentioned above, the warning came from an ex-militant group, suggesting an imminent threat to the Meitei community living in Mizoram. Having a history of aggression and violence, this group cast a chilling effect on the Meiteis in Mizoram and the authorities in Manipur.

It’s important to highlight that the warning did not emerge from a vacuum. It is a stark reflection of persistent ethnic tensions between the indigenous communities in the North-East region of India. The notice exposed the volatility of these tensions, making it a matter of urgency and deep concern.

In response to the looming threat over its people, the government of Manipur, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, decided to airlift the Meiteis from Mizoram. This large-scale evacuation was coordinated with the central government, local administration in Mizoram, and the Indian Air Force.

The evacuation was implemented in multiple phases, prioritizing the most vulnerable—women, children, and older people. Several hundred Meiteis have been returned to Manipur in the first few rounds of evacuation, and efforts continue.

While Manipur’s action was predominantly hailed as a protective measure, it also drew some criticism. Detractors pointed out that the airlifting operation might escalate ethnic tensions, as it is tantamount to acknowledging the potential dominance of the ex-militant group. Moreover, some critics argue that the Manipur government’s response might set a dangerous precedent, where threats from non-state actors lead to mass displacement of communities.

Moreover, the evacuation has also led to a humanitarian crisis. Despite the Manipur government’s best efforts, providing for the sudden influx of evacuees—offering them proper shelter, food, and basic amenities—is a considerable challenge.

The international community is worried about the current situation. The United Nations has called upon India to protect the safety and rights of the displaced Meiteis. In contrast, human rights groups have expressed concerns regarding the well-being and security of the Meitei population. They have urged all the parties involved to ensure their safety.

The 2023 crisis involving the airlift of the Meitei community from Mizoram to Manipur is a glaring example of how unresolved ethnic tensions can flare up and disrupt societal harmony. The Indian government and the state governments need to take serious measures to resolve such ethnic tensions in the North-East region and protect the rights and safety of all communities.

Meanwhile, the effort to ensure the evacuated Meiteis are safely settled and their lives returned to normalcy continues.

This event is a significant reminder of the fragility of peace in regions with varied ethnicities. It highlights the significance of promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among different communities to prevent similar occurrences from happening again.