Manipur should be a safe place for "law-abiding Zo Tribes", says Mizoram CM
Source: Nirendra Dev *

New Delhi, June 21 2023: Two days after his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh spoke to him over phone and sought assistance to resolve the ongoing crisis, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga says, "..we wish to see Manipur as a safe place for the law-abiding Zo people" .

"Mizoram, an Eternal Home for all Zo Ethnic Tribes," he tweeted and maintained that it is "equally a safe haven for non-ethnic and every law-abiding citizens" .

He further wrote, "As much a safe place it is for the Meiteis, we wish to see Manipur a safe place for the law-abiding Zo Ethnic Tribes" .

The veteran Mizo leader, who was also a militant leader under Laldenga, also stated that "A total of 11785 Internally Displaced People (IDPs) from Manipur have taken shelter in Mizoram since the eruption of ethnic strife in Manipur.

"Mizoram is currently providing shelter to over 50,000 people from neighbouring Manipur, Myanmar and Bangladesh" .

He also wrote -"Humanitarian assistance as a responsible Government, we don't have much but we are ready to share.

2388.50 quintals of rice issued to Zo ethnic tribes in troubled Manipur areas and internally displaced persons residing in Mizoram (have been provided) by Govt.Of Mizoram, including other relief supplies" .

On Sunday, the beleaguered Manipur CM (Biren Singh) reportedly asked Zoramthanga to take suitable measures to ensure safety and security of the Meitei population settled/living in Mizoram.

About a hundred Meiteis from Mizoram were air-lifted in May while some Meiteis from Mizoram reportedly left for the Silchar region in Assam on their own.

Apprehending troubles after All Assam Manipuri Youth Association (AAMYA) urged Zoramthanga-led MNF not to support bifurcation of Manipur state as demanded by Kukis, the Mizoram government has tightened security in and around Mizoram House at Silchar.

Elections are due in Mizoram by November this year along with Telangana, MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

Ethnic Kuki, Zomi, Hmar and Mizo communities along with elected MLAs from Manipur and leaders from various tribal bodes of Zo ethnic tribes held a crucial meeting in Delhi recently and decided to set up a 'Core Committee on Separate Administration Movement ' .

The meeting deliberated in details on the demand for total 'separate administration' for Kuki and other Zo community infested hill areas of Manipur.

They also discussed other plausible options the communities would have under the Constitution of India, sources said.

* The sender of this news can be contacted at nirendev1(AT)gmail(DOT)com .

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