Manipur Myanmar

Imphal, Aug 19: Chief Minister N Biren Singh of Manipur announced the safe return of over 200 Indian citizens who had fled to neighbouring Myanmar when ethnic violence erupted in the border town of Moreh on May 3. These returnees, all belonging to the Meitei community, were brought back to their homeland, and the Chief Minister expressed his deep gratitude to the Indian Army for their pivotal role in ensuring their safe repatriation.

The Chief Minister shared the uplifting news on his social media platform, formerly Twitter, where he conveyed his immense relief and gratitude for the successful homecoming of these individuals. His post read, “Relief and gratitude as 212 fellow Indian citizens (all Meiteis) who sought safety across the Myanmar border post the May 3rd unrest in Moreh town of Manipur, are now safely back on Indian soil.”

Singh went on to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the Indian Army, acknowledging their unwavering dedication to facilitating the return of these citizens. He specifically recognized the contributions of key military personnel, including Lt Gen. RP Kalita of the GOC Eastern Command, Lt Gen. HS Sahi of GOC 3 Corp, and Col. Rahul Jain, the Commanding Officer of 5 AR.

The return of these citizens marks a significant moment of hope and unity in Manipur, a state that has been grappling with ethnic tensions and unrest for some time. Moreh, situated approximately 110 kilometers from the state capital Imphal, bore the brunt of the violence that erupted in the Churachandpur district on May 3. The unrest was triggered by a protest rally organized by the hill-majority Kuki-Zo-Chin tribes in response to the valley-majority Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribes’ (ST) status.

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Moreh was a melting pot of diverse communities, including Kukis, Meiteis, and even Tamils, with historical roots tracing back to colonial times. It was home to thousands from various ethnic backgrounds.

However, the recent violence prompted a mass exodus of the Meitei community, who sought refuge across the border in Myanmar. The return of these Meitei citizens signifies a ray of hope amidst the complex and sensitive ethnic dynamics in the region.

While the Chief Minister celebrated their safe return, it remains unclear whether these Meiteis have returned to their homes and properties in Moreh or if they have been relocated to the Imphal valley. The situation in Moreh remains fragile, and the government faces the daunting task of facilitating the return of internally displaced people to both the hills and the valley, all while maintaining “buffer zones” to prevent further clashes between Meiteis and Kukis.

In the aftermath of the ethnic clash, the Kuki-Zo-Chin tribes have been advocating for a separate administrative region to be carved out of Manipur, citing the impossibility of coexistence with the Meiteis. Conversely, some Meiteis who used to reside in Kuki-majority hill areas have appealed to be safely repatriated to their homes with adequate security measures in place.

The return of these Meitei citizens serves as a testament to the resilience of the people of Manipur and the dedicated efforts of the Indian Army in fostering peace and unity in a region marred by ethnic tensions. While the path ahead may be challenging, their safe return symbolizes the hope for more harmonious coexistence among Manipur’s diverse communities.