Manipur: The Chief Minister thanks the Indian Army after over 200 Meiteis who fled to Myanmar during clashes have returned

After ethnic riots erupted in the northeast state of Manipur in May 2023, a number of its citizens fled to Myanmar. 212 Meiteis who were seeking refuge in Myanmar for such a long time have returned to Indian soil, according to Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s X announcement. He also expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for returning the citizens of Manipur safely home from the other country.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Chief Minister N Biren Singh wrote: “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.”

Singh added, “A big shout-out to the Indian Army for their dedication in bringing them home,” in his letter of thanks to them. Sincere appreciation to Lt Gen. RP Kalita, GOC Eastern Command, Lt Gen. HS Sahi, GOC 3 Corps, and Col. Rahul Jain, CO of 5 AR for your steadfast service.

Whose escape led people to Myanmar?
Moreh town was one of the worst-hit towns in Manipur during the ethnic riots between the Kuki and Meitei populations, behind Churachandrapur and Imphal. About 110 kilometers separate Moreh Town from Imphal, the state’s capital.

Along with Tamil-origin people and members of many other groups, residents of the town come from the two competing communities.

Since the Meiteis have returned, the state administration has not specified whether they will live in their houses or the relief centers or how to handle any future conflicts amongst the local populations. Since coexistence with the Meiteis was no longer conceivable, the Kukis requested independent government in Manipur.

According to reports, the Meiteis who were living in Kuki-dominated hill regions have asked that the state administration send them home safely.

Since security forces are retaining what they refer to as “buffer zones” in critical regions that Meiteis and Kukis can’t access, there is no set schedule for allowing civilians back into the hills and valleys.