More than 200 Meiteis come back from Myanmar, Manipur Chief Minister applauds Indian Army's contribution
Amidst the turmoil that erupted in Manipur on May 3, causing many locals to flee to Myanmar and seek refuge in the Tamu region, over 200 Indian citizens, primarily Meiteis, who had been living in Myanmar for the past three months due to the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, were safely repatriated to India on Friday.
The group, totaling around 212 individuals, arrived in the distressed town of Moreh, situated 110 kilometers south of Imphal, under the protection of security forces. Indian Army teams, led by commandants of the Assam Rifles and Gorkha Rifles, welcomed and assisted the returnees at the border gates.
Expressing his gratitude, Manipur's Chief Minister N Biren Singh took to Twitter on Friday evening, stating, "A heartwarming moment as 212 fellow Indian citizens, all Meiteis, who sought refuge across the Myanmar border following the unrest in Moreh town of Manipur on May 3rd, have now safely returned to Indian soil.
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.
A big shout-out to the Indian Army for their dedication in bringing them home.…
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) August 18, 2023
A special salute to the Indian Army for their unwavering commitment to facilitating their return. Profound thanks to GOC Eastern Command, Lt Gen. RP Kalita, GOC 3 Corp, Lt Gen. HS Sahi, and CO of 5 AR, Col. Rahul Jain for their steadfast service."
The initial incident in May had caused the residents of Moreh's ward number 4, particularly from Premnagar, to escape across the Indo-Myanmar border and take sanctuary in Myanmar's Sagaing division, specifically in the Tamu area. This move was triggered by the outbreak of violence within the state, including the border town.
Subsequently, they remained in the neighboring region. In response to concerns raised by MSME National Board Member Robin Blackei regarding their safety and security, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh took up the cause.
Ranjan responded by assuring, "I have highlighted the matter and the need for prompt action to the relevant officials dealing with Myanmar-related affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs. I have been given assurance that our officials at the Embassy of India in Myanmar have been in touch with the stranded group."
He further assured, "I am informed that arrangements for essential food and medical assistance are being arranged. Rest assured, I will continue to closely monitor the situation."
Earlier in May, Manipur had witnessed a surge of ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities, leading to the loss of approximately 150 lives, the displacement of nearly 50,000 people, and the destruction of numerous villages and neighborhoods.
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