Manipur Violence: Neighbouring Mizoram To Be On High Alert, Prepares To Evacuate Its Citizens

“In view of the ongoing crisis in neighboring Manipur, all Deputy Commissioners of the Districts in Mizoram are advised to be on high alert and make appropriate arrangements to provide safety and security including temporary shelter and other amenities for people who are seeking refuge in Mizoram,” read a circular issued by the state's General Administration Department.

As tensions prevailed in Manipur on Friday too, fifty-five columns of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles were deployed to contain widespread rioting. Internet services including mobile internet, have been suspended for five days. 

Meanwhile, Mizoram Police has appealed to the public to not indulge in rumour mongering. They also said that close watch is being maintained on the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur and the safety and security of people from Mizoram presently in Manipur and Imphal City.

"Information is also being obtained for making arrangements for evacuation of people of Mizoram now stranded in Imphal and other parts of Manipur requiring evacuation by flight from Imphal Airport to Lengpui Airport," they said.

At least 30 people, mostly women and children, from violence-hit areas of Manipur fled to Mizoram on Friday, officials said. Two Mizoram districts- Aizawl and Saitual - share around 95 km-long border with Manipur. 

The state General Administration department also instructed the deputy commissioners to ensure the safety of the Meitei community people and take stringent measures if any flare-up is reported within their respective jurisdictions. 

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga had written to Manipur CM Biren Singh and also had a telephonic conversation with him on Thursday on the violent clashes in several parts of Manipur.  He also spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and urged him to send additional central armed forces to Manipur.

(With inputs from PTI)