Manipur government plans airlift of Meiteis after caution from ex-militant group

The Meiteis of Mizoram, one of two groups fighting the Kukis, will be airlifted from Aizawl by the Manipur government after a group of ex-militants in Mizoram advised them to return to their home state for "own security".

The Manipur government has taken measures to protect the Meiteis, who reside in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, following the notification of the militant group.

According to reports, plans have been made to use special ATR aircraft that operate between Aizawl-Imphal and Aizawl-Silchar to airlift the Meitei community from Mizoram. The date for the start of the evacuation has not yet been set.

Tensions between the two tribes in the area have increased following a gruesome incident that happened on May 4 in Manipur, involving a group of men who stripped two Kuki-Zo doncha tribal women, paraded them, and sexually assaulted them.

This act, which was caught on camera, caused huge outrage and "anger among the Mizo youth". As a result, the Meiteis, largely found in Manipur and south Assam, were advised to leave the state for their safety by the Peace Agreement MNF Returnees’ Association (PAMRA), a group of ex-Mizoram militants.

As the situation in Mizoram is dire, the Mizo Student’s Union (MSU) has announced its intention to conduct a Meitei census in several educational institutions in the state. Mizoram Police has stepped up security measures to protect Meiteis in Aizawl and increased security in key areas such as Vety College, Selesih; University of Mizoram, Tanhril; RIPANS, Zemabawk; and ZMC, Falkawn.

Meanwhile, the Mizoram government has assured the people of Meitei of their safety in response to growing fears and urged them not to believe rumors. H. Lalengmawia, the State Home Commissioner and Secretary met the leaders of the Meitei community and assured them of their protection.