According to a press release issued by the Peace Accord MNF Returnees' Association (PAMRA), the former armed wing of the Mizo National Party (MNF), Meiteis residing in Mizoram have been asked to leave the state for their own safety.

PAMRA cited the tense situation in Mizoram, particularly in response to the reported violent and heinous acts against the Zo-ethnic community in Manipur, which deeply hurt Mizo sentiments. The release stated that the responsibility for any potential violence upon Meiteis in Mizoram would lie with the Meiteis themselves.

The appeal for Meiteis to leave the state follows the circulation of a viral video depicting the alleged molestation and public humiliation of two Kuki women by Meitei mobs in Manipur on May 4. This incident has caused nationwide outrage and heightened tensions between communities.

In response to the situation, PAMRA's secretary general, C Lalthenlova, clarified that their appeal should not be misconstrued as a diktat or warning but rather as a plea for safety. He stated that it was a simple request to avoid any untoward incidents and that Meiteis should return to their home state.

It is important to note that PAMRA was the armed wing of the MNF before disbanding and surrendering their weapons following the signing of the Mizoram Peace Accord in 1986.

Meanwhile, the Mizoram state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lodged a first information report (FIR) against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for organizing a protest in front of the BJP office in Aizawl. The AAP demonstration blamed the ruling BJP for the Manipur incident. A minor clash occurred between the workers of the two parties during the protest, leading the BJP to file a case against AAP.

In the FIR, BJP state general secretary Malsawmtluanga stated that the AAP gathering in front of the BJP office utilized loudspeakers without obtaining prior permission from the city deputy commissioner, causing disruption during the political session of the BJP. Additionally, the FIR highlighted that the AAP's road blockade could pose a security threat to the governor, as the Raj Bhavan is situated next to the BJP office.

Image source: India Today