The Mizoram government has appealed to the residents to take ”extreme caution” to prevent communal unrest in the state. The call has been taken given the recent violence which took place in Manipur‘s Jiribam district located near the Mizoram border where 10 people lost their lives in the last week.
Ensuring peace and safety for all
The Mizoram Home Department has urged the residents to avoid doing things that could escalate communal tensions, as per the official statement. It also assured the citizens that the state government is committed to protecting all the communities, including people from Manipur who are staying in Mizoram. It was highlighted in the statement that the administration aims to safeguard Mizos who are residing outside the state, especially migrant workers in conflict-hit Manipur and students.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India in its previous order has declared areas falling under the jurisdiction of 6 police stations namely Lamsang, Semkal, Lamlai, Leimakhong, Jiribam, and Morang police stations to be under the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act in the state as ‘disturbed area’. As per the latest order dated November 16, the state cabinet has recommemed central government to review and withdraw the six police stations as ‘disturbed area’.
The government expressed sorrow over the violence in Manipur and extended its condolences to the victims and their families. It has also directed the central and Manipur government to take action decisively to curb the ongoing ethnic tension. The prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur has been going on since May 2023, the Mizoram government noted that violence has caused severe problems. Many displaced individuals are mainly from the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar-Mizo communities and are currently taking refuge in Mizoram. The state is playing the role of a host for more than 7,700 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in several locations. The administration Has hailed the people of Mizoram for showing compassion and support amid the ongoing crisis. The authorities are helping out the communities as well they are encouraging them to participate in providing humanitarian aid.
(With inputs from PTI)