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11,785 Tribals from Violence Hit Manipur Take Shelter in Mizoram

AIZAWL/IMPHAL – Some 11,785 people belonging to Zo ethnic tribes displaced from violence hit Manipur took shelter in Mizoram, Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on Wednesday.

According to a tweet of the Mizoram Chief Minister, the tribals took shelter in all the 11 districts with the highest number of 4,296 displaced people taking shelter in Kolasib district, adjoining southern Assam, followed by 3,837 in Aizawl and 2,855 in Saitual districts.

The Chief Minister in his tweet said: “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 by Govt. of Mizoram, including other relief supplies.

“A total of 11,785 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.

“Mizoram, an Eternal Home for all Zo Ethnic Tribes ! An equally safe haven for non-ethnic and every law-abiding citizen ! As much a safe place as it is for the Meiteis, we wish to see Manipur a safe place for the law-abiding Zo Ethnic Tribes !”

Officials in Aizawl said that of the 11,785 displaced people from Manipur, 2,883 people are residing in 35 relief camps in 11 districts while the remaining 8902 people are staying in their relatives’ houses, churches and various other places.

The Mizoram government has sought Rs 10 crore from the Centre to provide relief to the people, sheltered in the state after being displaced due to the ethnic violence in Manipur.

CM Zoramthanga wrote two letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 16 and May 23 seeking financial support, but the Centre has yet to respond favourably.

Zoramthanga on Sunday assured his Manipur counterpart N. Biren Singh of providing security to the people belonging to the Meitei community living in Mizoram.

A number of people from the Meitei community have been residing in Mizoram for many years and work in various professions.

The Chief Ministers of Mizoram and Manipur on Sunday discussed the security of the Meitei people staying in Mizoram.

The Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex Mizo student body, and the All Mizoram Meitei Association (AMMA) held a meeting in Aizawl to discuss the ongoing violence in Manipur.

Both organisations have pledged to take appropriate measures to put an end to the unrest.

During the meeting, AMMA leaders led by its president Wahengbam Gopeshore disclosed that they had recently submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu through the Mizoram Governor outlining the efforts made by their organisation.

Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday condemned the ‘unprecedented’ violence that has devastated the lives of people in Manipur, and has left a deep wound on the nation’s conscience.

She also appealed to the people of the state and the brave women to lead the way in bringing peace and harmony to the ‘beautiful land’.

Sonia Gandhi said that she was deeply saddened to see the people forced to flee the only place they call home and added that she has immense hope and faith in the people of Manipur together will overcome this ordeal.

In a video statement over the Manipur violence, the former Congress President said, “Brothers and sisters of Manipur, for nearly 50 days we have witnessed a human tragedy unfolding in Manipur. The unprecedented violence that has devastated the lives of people in your state and uprooted thousands has left a deep wound in the consciousness of our nation.”

Sonia Gandhi said, “I express my condolences to all those who lost their loved ones. I am deeply saddened to see people forced to flee the only place they call home and leave behind all that they have built all their lifetime. It is heartbreaking to witness our brothers and sisters, who have coexisted peacefully turned against each other.”

She further said that the “history of Manipur stands testament to her ability to embrace people of all ethnicities, religions and backgrounds and the myriad possibilities of a diverse society.”

“It takes tremendous trust and goodwill to nurture the spirit of brotherhood and the single misstep to fan the flames of hate and divisiveness,” she said.

The Congress leader said that today we are at a “vital crossroads”, and our choice to embark on the path of healing will shape the future that our children will inherit.

“I appeal to the people of Manipur and especially my brave sisters to lead the way in bringing peace and harmony to this beautiful land. As a mother I understand your pain and I appeal to your good conscience to lead the way. It is my sincere hope that over the coming weeks and months we set out on the long journey of rebuilding trust and emerge stronger from this tragedy,” she said.

“I have immense hope and faith in the people of Manipur and I know that together we will overcome this ordeal,” the Congress leader added.

Her remarks came in the wake of the ongoing violence in Manipur since May 3, where over 100 people have lost their lives and over 50,000 people have been living in the relief camps.

The Congress has been critical of the state and the central government for the violence in Manipur and also questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue.

-IANS

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