IMPHAL: Over 200 Meitei individuals have returned to Manipur from Myanmar, garnering praise from Chief Minister Biren Singh who commended the Army for their role in facilitating their safe return. The Chief Minister revealed that a total of 212 Meitei citizens had sought refuge in Myanmar approximately three months ago due to the outbreak of ethnic conflict within the northeastern state.

In a statement posted on X (Twitter), CM Singh expressed his relief and gratitude for the successful return of these fellow Indian citizens. He highlighted that these Meitei individuals had crossed the Myanmar border following the unrest that occurred in Moreh town of Manipur on May 3. Singh specifically recognized the Indian Army for their dedicated efforts in ensuring the repatriation process. He extended his sincere appreciation to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Eastern Command, Lieutenant General RP Kalita, the GOC of 3 Corps, Lieutenant General HS Sahi, and the Commanding Officer of the 5 Assam Rifles, Colonel Rahul Jain, for their unwavering commitment to this cause.

The returning citizens were brought back to Moreh, a commercial town located 110 km south of Imphal. Upon their arrival at the border gates, they were warmly received by teams from the Indian Army, led by commandants of the Assam Rifles and Gorkha Rifles.

The incident involved residents of Moreh's ward number 4, specifically from Premnagar, who had fled to Myanmar by crossing the India-Myanmar international border on May 3. These individuals had sought shelter in the Tamua area of the Sagaing division.

The initial eruption of violence in Manipur stemmed from a protest rally organized by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3. The protest was in opposition to the proposed inclusion of Meitei community members in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). This event resulted in widespread violence, causing the loss of more than 150 lives and displacing nearly 50,000 people within the northeastern state.

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