GUWAHATI: Ethnic tensions have surged in India's northeastern states of Mizoram and Assam, leading to a mass exodus of Meiteis from Mizoram and a tit-for-tat advisory issued to Mizos living in South Assam's Barak Valley districts. The situation escalated following an 'advisory' issued by an ex-militant organization, prompting heightened concerns over community safety.
The All-Assam Manipuri Students' Union (AAMSU) issued a statement advising Mizos residing in Meitei-dominated areas of Barak Valley to leave "for their own safety," in response to the exodus of Meiteis from Mizoram. The advisory came after the Peace Accord MNF Returnees’ Association (PAMRA), an organization of former insurgents, declared that Meiteis were no longer safe in Manipur and urged them to leave Mizoram. The reason cited for this advisory was the "deeply hurt" sentiments of the Mizo people due to violence against the Zo ethnic community in Manipur.
The situation further intensified after a shocking video emerged showing two tribal women being paraded naked by a mob in Manipur. The incident, which took place over 70 days before the first arrest was made, sparked widespread condemnation and escalated tensions between the Meitei and Mizo communities.
As Meiteis started fleeing Mizoram, the AAMSU's advisory to Mizos in Barak Valley created a reciprocal atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. However, after issuing the advisory, AAMSU clarified that its statement had been "misinterpreted."
In response to the growing concerns, Assam's Director General of Police, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, shared AAMSU's clarification on social media, emphasizing that the advisory was not a quit notice to Mizos but rather a call for precautions for their safety.
Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Gyanendra Pratap Singh took to Twitter and said “As seen in some electronic medias and fb pages the recent press statement of AAMSU is misinterpreted as quit notice to Mizos from Barak Valley. AAMSU only advises the Mizo Missionaries in Meitei village to take precautions for their own safety as the act of Mizoram government has caused anger upon Manipuris in Assam. So far the Mizo missionaries have been living within the Meiteis as families and we shall continue to stay in harmony forever.”
Despite the tensions, efforts were made to assure the safety of Manipuri people in Mizoram. A top state government official met with community leaders to provide reassurance, and the Mizoram Police issued a statement vowing to ensure the security of Manipuri people, including Meiteis, in various parts of the state.
The Manipur government also extended support by offering to charter flights for the return of Meitei community members who wished to leave Mizoram.
It is evident that the situation requires delicate handling and efforts to promote harmony and understanding among the ethnic communities. With tensions still running high, authorities must work diligently to prevent any further escalation and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the region.
In conclusion, the ethnic tensions between Meiteis and Mizos have led to a complex situation of migration and fear in the northeastern states of Mizoram and Assam. The exodus of Meiteis from Mizoram and the advisory to Mizos in Barak Valley reflect the delicate nature of communal relations in the region, demanding prompt and careful action from authorities to prevent further discord.
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