The Wire Staff 
New Delhi: Even as Meitei civil society organisations (CSOs) have been accusing the Assam Rifles (AR) of acting in favour of the Kuki community during the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, news has come about the AR successfully bringing back from Myanmar over 400 individuals, mostly from the Meitei community, who had fled across the open international border fearing attacks.
The PRO of AR (South) told The Wire, “While four-five of them were Nepalis, the rest brought back from Myanmar are all Meiteis.”
He said, “This was a successful secretive operation. We spoke to civil society groups on both sides and have been helping the displaced people return to Manipur in different batches.”
As per a press note issued by the AR, 212 individuals – 86 males, 89 females and 37 children – have returned to Manipur on August 18. The note said thus far, over 400 individuals were repatriated from Myanmar since the May 3 clashes broke out. “Effective communication and assurance of security paved the way for a meticulously planned and executed operation, transporting them from Tamu to Moreh in an Assam Rifles Relief Camp,” the note said.
The PRO said, “They are safe in our relief camp at Moreh. It now depends on the state government when they want to transfer them to Imphal and other valley areas.” He said over time, some Meitei families brought back from Myanmar have already moved in with their relatives in the valley areas.
In a tweet on August 18, chief minister N. Biren Singh expressed “relief and gratitude” for the return of the Meiteis to the state adding, “A big shout-out to the Indian army for their dedication in bringing them home. Sincere gratitude to GOC Eastern Command Lt. Gen R P Kalita, GOC 3 Corp, Lt. Gen. H S Sahi and CO of 5 AR, Col. Rahul Jain for their unwavering service.”
Till now, the Biren government has been at loggerheads with the AR and has even registered an FIR against a unit of the forces accusing it of “obstructing” a state police team from “performing their duty” in the Kwakta area on August 5 and thereby allowing “Kuki militants” to “flee” after three Meitei men were killed. The chief minister is also the state home minister.
As per a Sangai Express report, the 400 displaced people were given shelter by a Buddhist monastery in Tamu area of Myanmar. “This act of compassion comes at a time when the issue of refugees from Myanmar was under discussion in the Parliament of India. While debates revolved around the challenges posed by the influx of Myanmar refugees, it was revealed that Myanmar itself had offered refuge to those affected by turmoil in Manipur,” the report added.