Imphal, October 06 2009: Expressing deep concern over encroachment by neighbouring States into the territory of Manipur, the United Committee Manipur (UCM) has questioned if the State Government was there to protect the valley of Manipur only.

A press release issued by the UCM observed that armed people of Myanmar have been repeatedly ransacking Molcham located along Indo-Myanmar border in Chandel district.

Because of the complete indifference of both the State Government and Government of India, there were instances when armed encroachers from Myanmar carried away ripe paddy from Molcham.

To all such encroachments and harassments, the State Government only remained a mute spectator.

The Government is unable to form boundary commission and erect boundary pillars at the right places, the UCM alleged further.

Arson and vandalism by encroachers have become a regular incidents in Dzuko Valley of Senapati district.

Even as Nagaland has constructed a rest house and included the area in its tourist map, the Government of Manipur has been conveniently looking the other way.

The same attitude of the State Government prevails in Jiribam too where encroachers from the neighbouring state have been looting bamboo, cane and other valuable natural produces through Jiri river.

The State Government is least concerned with the caving bank of Jiri river.

The recent case of opening armed police post and construction of guest house by Nagaland in Jessami of Manipur's Ukhrul district has enraged the people of Manipur all the more.

At this stage, people cannot help but ask the stance of the Government of Manipur to such encroachments and the resultant loss of Manipur's territory, the UCM asserted while maintaining that the people of Manipur are not ready to part with a single inch of their territory.

Noting that all these encroachments and constructions cannot be done overnight, the UCM asked what the Ukhrul district administration has been doing all this time.

People would highly appreciate the State forces if they come out valiantly to face the challenges posed to the territory of Manipur instead of exerting all their strength against protesters pursuing certain justified demands of the people, the UCM asserted.

Stating that its resolve to face all challenges to the territory still remained unchanged, the UCM cautioned that the State Government should act with due urgency before patience of the people inhabiting the border areas run out and bloody clashes break out.

It further appealed to all the people to remain alert and keep their sentiments under check.