Imphal: The ethnic unrest in Manipur has sparked a contentious dispute between Manipur and Mizoram, leading to intense protests in the former. On Friday, a large number of activists, primarily young individuals and some sports persons, took to the streets, burning effigies of Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, who is also the leader of the Mizo National Front (MNF).

During the protest, the activists directed slogans towards Mizos, expressing their allegiance to Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and advocating for peace and the integrity of Manipur. They accused Zoramthanga, his council of ministers, and MNF MLAs of participating in previous protest rallies organized by a conglomerate of civil society organizations, including the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), which showed solidarity with the Kuki-Zo ethnic community in Manipur.

Prior to these rallies, the Peace Accord MNF Returnees’ Association (PAMRA) issued an “advisory” to non-tribal Meitei people living in Mizoram, citing a viral video of two women being humiliated by a mob in Manipur on May 4. This advisory led to around 700 Meitei community members leaving Mizoram due to fear, further escalating tensions between the two states.