The chief minister of India's Mizoram state Zoramthanga has appealed for the “immediate restoration of peace” in neighboring Manipur, expressing his concern over the ongoing violence.
In a long social media post on Tuesday, Mizoram state chief said: “The onset of May witnessed a brutal, untoward and uncalled-for incident in Manipur (...) nothing seems to have changed. We are counting, and today is the 62nd day.”
Hoping things would turn for the better, he stated: "Situations seem to have worsened. When will it stop? I condole my Manipuri Zo ethnic brethren, my incessant prayers for those who have lost their loved ones, their homes and families wrecked in shatters," going on to describe the clashes as a "disastrous incident".
Making an appeal for immediate restoration of peace and normalcy, the Mizoram state chief continued by saying: “I wish not to see anymore, pictures and video clips of churches being burnt, brutal killings and violence of all nature, regardless of gender and age. If there is ONLY one way of settling for peace, shall we opt for that? Many lives have been lost, bloodshed all over, physical torture & the victims are looking for refuge wherever possible. With no iota of doubt, those victims are my kin and kin, my own blood and should we quieten the situation by just being silent? I don't think so!”
Stating that the violence in Manipur has resulted in the internal displacement of over 12,000 people in Mizoram, Zoramthanga expressed hope that the central government would lend an immediate hand to alleviate the developing humanitarian situation. 13:07 i am taking it. thanks)
The Mizoram state government is currently awaiting a relief package from Delhi to attend to the situation. Zoramthanga requested assistance worth INR 100 million ($1.2 million) in May.
Violence in Manipur has been ongoing since early May after a Tribal Solidarity March was organized to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Meiteis people, who account for 53 percent of the state's population, reside mostly in the Imphal Valley. But Nagas and Kukis tribals, who constitute 40 percent, reside in the hill districts.
Though Meities are in the majority, they reportedly have just ten percent of the state’s territory. They are not allowed to purchase land in the hill areas. If granted, the ST status would let them buy land in Kukis-dominated areas.
It is feared the ST status would likewise entitle the Meities to enjoy reservation in public jobs and educational institutes, and give them access to forest lands.