Mizoram CM Zoramthanga assures N Biren Singh of Meitei community's security in his state

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Sunday said his Manipur counterpart N Biren Singh has spoken to him over the phone and sought his help to restore peace in the neighbouring state.
During the telephonic conversation, Singh also requested him to take measures for the safety of Meitei people living in Mizoram, the chief minister said.

Taking to Twitter, Zoramthanga said, "Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri N Biren Singh spoke to me over the phone at 12:30 PM regarding the Manipur ongoing violence asking for my aid in resolving the issue with a hope that henceforth there would be a peaceful co-existence. Furthermore, the request is to take means and measures for the Mizoram Meitei to settle peacefully."

He also told Singh that the people of Mizoram are empathetic towards the Meitei and that the government and civil society organisations have taken measures for peace and security.

"I assured the Chief Minister of Manipur stating that Govt. Of #Mizoram bemoans the ongoing violence and that it has taken certain steps and measures to abate it. I further stated that we are suppportive of the steps taken by the Govt. Of #Manipur and the #Central Govt."

Over 100 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence in Manipur, which has been continuing for more than a month now.

"I also apprised the Chief Minister of Manipur that we, the people of #Mizoram are empathetic towards the Meitei and that the #government and the #NGOs have taken measures for peace and security. Therefore, for the Meitei who are residing in Mizoram, they have nothing to fear as long as they are in Mizoram. We shall go on to promote safety and security for them."

Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts of Manipur to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals - Nagas and Kukis - constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts.

Meanwhile, at least 196 people from strife-torn Manipur fled to Mizoram in the past two days, raising the total number of displaced people staying at shelters in the state to 11,699.

As of Sunday, the Kolasib district hosts 4,250 displaced people, while 3,825 have taken refuge in Aizawl and 2,845 in Saitual, according to the Mizoram home department statement.

The remaining 779 people took shelter in eight districts- Champhai, Lunglei, Mamit, Hnahthial, Serchhip, Siaha, Khawzawl and Lawngtlai, it said.

The state government and village authorities have set up 35 relief camps.

However, the majority of the displaced people belonging to the Zo ethnic tribes are staying at their relatives' places while others also live in rented houses.

RSS appeals for peace in Manipur

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday appealed to the civil society and political groups as well as the common people to take every possible initiative to put an end to the chaotic and violent situation in Manipur, and ensure safety of human lives and permanent peace in the state.

RSS' Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale urged the government, including local administration, police, military and the central agencies to take every possible step to "stop this painful violence immediately", ensure the seamless supply of relief materials among the displaced along with necessary actions to maintain peace and harmony.

"The continuous violence that is going on in Manipur for the last 45 days is extremely worrisome. The violence and uncertainty that started in Manipur after the protest rally organised in Churachandpur on May 3 at the time of Lai Haraoba festival is to be condemned," said RSS Sarkaryavah.

Hosabale in a statement said that the RSS stands with the 50,000 displaced persons and other victims of the Manipur crisis.

"RSS is of the opinion that there is no place for violence and hatred in a democratic setup, and it also believes that the solution of any problem is possible only through mutual dialogue and expression of brotherhood in a peaceful atmosphere. RSS appeals to everyone to overcome the deficit of trust among each other which is the cause of the present crisis. It requires comprehensive efforts from both communities.

"It can be resolved by addressing the sense of insecurity and helplessness among the Meiteis and genuine concerns of the Kuki community simultaneously," the statement added.

Congress hits out at RSS

Congress on Sunday again questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence over the violence in Manipur and targeted the RSS over its "divisive ideology and polarising activities" which is affecting the diverse North East.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said: "The RSS has finally issued a public appeal for peace and harmony in Manipur after 45 days of unending violence. The RSS' well-known duplicity is in full display as its divisive ideology and polarising activities is changing the very nature of a diverse North East, of which Manipur is one tragic example."

Hitting out at the Prime Minister, Ramesh said: "But what of its much-celebrated former Pracharak, who now controls the administrative machinery at the Centre and in the state? Has he outsourced the public appeal to the organisation that moulded him? When will Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, say something, do something on Manipur? Is he only a Prachar Mantri and not Pradhan Mantri?"

(With inputs from PTI)