The Mizoram administration placed all districts in the state on high alert due to conflict in Manipur between indigenous people and the dominant Meitei minority.
A circular released by the state’s General Administration Department advised all Deputy Commissioners of the Districts in Mizoram to be on high alert and make appropriate preparations to provide safety and security, including temporary shelter and other amenities, for people who are seeking refuge in Mizoram.
The Indian Army and Assam Rifles sent out fifty-five columns to suppress widespread riots on Friday as emotions continued to be high in Manipur. For the last five days, all internet services, including mobile internet, have been halted.
The Mizoram Police has also urged the people to refrain from spreading rumours. They said that a careful eye was being kept on the current law and order situation in Manipur as well as the safety and security of Mizoramis currently residing in Manipur and Imphal City.
“Information is also being obtained for making arrangements for evacuation of people from Mizoram now stranded in Imphal and other parts of Manipur requiring evacuation by flight from Imphal Airport to Lengpui Airport,” they said.
According to authorities, at least 30 individuals, primarily women and children, left Manipur’s violent regions on Friday and fled to Mizoram. Aizawl and Saitual, two Mizoram districts, have a border with Manipur that is around 95 km long.
Additionally, the deputy commissioners were given instructions by the state General Administration department to guarantee the safety of the Meitei community members and take strict action if any flare-ups were detected inside their respective domains.
On Thursday, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga spoke with Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh over the phone and in a letter about the bloody confrontations that had broken out in different areas of Manipur. He also requested that more federal armed personnel be sent to Manipur in a conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.