Mizoram government raises security cover of Meiteis after ex-militants ask them to leave for safety

The Mizoram government has set up a security cover for Meiteis in the state capital Aizawl in response to a public appeal by ex-militants for the community to leave the state.

In a statement issued from Aizawl on Friday, the MNF Peace Agreement Returnees Association (PAMRA) said Meiteis should leave Mizoram for their "own safety" as there is "anger" among Mizo youth over the sight of women being paraded naked in the neighboring ethnically divided state.

According to PAMRA, the violence against the zo-ethnic community in Manipur has caused a lot of hurt to Mizo sentiments. They also issued a warning that Meiteis in Mizoram will be held accountable for any violence directed against them. Reports say that the Mizoram government has already taken measures to ensure that no Meitei person is harmed.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga had earlier informed his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh over phone that the Meiteis living in Mizoram were safe. Following this development, the Manipur administration reportedly held further talks with Mizoram and the Centre, according to sources.

A video taken on May 4 emerged on Wednesday showing women from one of the warring groups in Manipur being paraded naked and attacked by a mob from the opposite side. On Thursday, the accused key suspect was taken into custody. The event drew strong condemnation from people across the country. According to a statement by former militants, the Mizo youths are enraged and appalled by the "barbaric and cruel act of the Meiteis" against the Zo or Kuki ethnic groups in Manipur.

There are thousands of Meiteis in Mizoram, mostly from Manipur and Assam, including students. PAMRA is a non-partisan group made up of former Mizo National Front (MNF) militants who want the full text of the Mizo Peace Accord to be implemented.