New Delhi, July 28 : Sources in Aizawl have disclosed that the Mizoram government’s offer to send a peace team to assist in resolving the violence in Manipur was rejected by authorities in Imphal. The offer came after Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh launched a scathing attack against his Mizoram counterpart, Zoramthanga.
The peace team, led by Law Minister T.J. Lalnuntluanga, was proposed in early May, shortly after the outbreak of violence. Mizoram Home Commissioner H. Lalengmawia was assigned the task of coordinating the team’s travel to Manipur, as Zoramthanga sensed the potential severity of the situation beyond the dispute over Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
However, the efforts to extend help were met with resistance. Lalengmawia contacted the “secretary of the Manipur Chief Minister” to convey the Mizoram government’s offer, but the response received was negative.
The Mizo National Front (MNF), which is part of the BJP-led NDA and North East Democratic Alliance, has ties with the tribal communities of Manipur, including the Kuki. Despite this, Biren Singh firmly condemned any interference in Manipur’s internal affairs and emphasized that Chief Ministers should not intervene in other states’ matters.
A solidarity rally in Aizawl attended by Zoramthanga further heightened tensions, with Biren Singh expressing displeasure over the involvement of a Chief Minister in such matters. Mizos and their families residing in Mizoram now total around 12,000, emphasizing the ethnic bonds shared with Manipur’s tribes.
Amidst the escalating situation, Mizoram’s Chief Secretary, Renu Sharma, attempted to initiate a goodwill mission in May, but the decision to allow such teams from Mizoram rested solely with Chief Minister Biren Singh.
