Aizawl, July 04: Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Manipur and has called for peace in the violence-stricken state. In a lengthy post on Twitter, Zoramthanga questioned when the violence would come to an end.
Since the outbreak of violence on May 3, which resulted in ethnic clashes between the Kukis and Meitis, over 130 people have lost their lives, and approximately 60,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes. The state continues to witness widespread incidents of violence and arson, exacerbating the crisis.
Opposition parties have criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments at both the central and state levels for their failure to quell the violence. The Supreme Court, on Monday, directed the Manipur government to submit an updated status report on the ethnic clashes.
In his tweet, Zoramthanga highlighted that 62 days have passed since the violence began, but little has changed. He lamented the loss of lives, widespread bloodshed, and physical torture, emphasizing that the victims are seeking refuge wherever possible. Zoramthanga emphasized that these victims are his own kin, and remaining silent will not resolve the situation.
The onset of May witnessed a brutal, untoward and uncalled-for incident in Manipur. At this very moment, 3:30am, July the 4th, 2023; nothing seems to have changed. We are counting, and today is the 62nd day.
While we hope with much goodwill, anticipation and hope, things would… pic.twitter.com/EKduEqrShY
— Zoramthanga (@ZoramthangaCM) July 3, 2023
The Chief Minister noted that the violence has led to approximately 12,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Manipur seeking shelter in Mizoram. He further stated that the number of refugees and/or IDPs from Manipur, Myanmar, and Bangladesh has risen to over 50,000. Zoramthanga appealed to the Central government for immediate humanitarian assistance.
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It was reported in May that Zoramthanga had requested a relief package of Rs 10 crore from the Central government. However, Mizoram Home Secretary H Lalengmawia stated that the Centre has not provided any funds or humanitarian aid to the state. Consequently, the Mizoram government has been left with no choice but to seek public donations to support the refugees from Manipur.
According to the Aizawl-based news portal, ZoramChronicle, the Mizoram government plans to approach ministers, legislators, and senior officials initially to seek contributions to the cause. The state is actively seeking assistance to alleviate the suffering of the displaced population and restore peace in Manipur.
