Shillong, July 23: The Manipur government has decided to airlift Meiteis, one of the communities involved in the recent violence with the Kukis, from Aizawl, Mizoram. This decision comes in response to an organization of former militants in Mizoram asking the Meiteis to return to their home state for their safety.
A report by India Today stated that the organization expressed concern over the anger among Mizo youths following a distressing incident on May 4, where two women were disrobed, paraded naked, and sexually assaulted by a group of men. A video of the incident went viral and triggered widespread outrage.
The airlifting of people from Mizoram will be conducted through special ATR flights operating between Aizawl-Imphal and Aizawl-Silchar.
In response to the situation, the Mizoram Police has increased security measures to ensure the safety of Meiteis residing in Aizawl city. Heightened security can be observed at various locations, including Vety College, Selesih; Mizoram University, Tanhril; RIPANS, Zemabawk; and ZMC, Falkawn.
The government’s plans for airlifting Meiteis have been confirmed, but specific details about the commencement of the evacuation process have not been disclosed yet. Several thousand Meiteis, primarily from Manipur and south Assam, currently reside in Mizoram.
A Meitei student living in Aizawl mentioned that though there are plans for airlifting, the exact timing of the evacuation remains uncertain.