Playing with emotive issue
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: October 08, 2013 -

The revelation made by former Special Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) RN Ravi that India is losing losing substantial portions of land to China since 2009 but the Government of India has been misleading its own citizens about it should be an eye-opener for the people of Manipur who really want their land to be protected from ceding to Myanmar on account of the ongoing border fencing work along the Indo-Myanmar International boundary at Moreh.

According to a report appeared in The Assam Tribune, the former IB official is quoted to have said that even though countries like Japan, Philippines and Vietnam make a hug and cry whenever transgressions by China take place, India has always denied reports of Chinese transgressions along the border.

And, this has only helped the cause of Chinese authorities, who, after the Indo-China war of 1962, remained low profile along the international border, but became aggressive again in 2009.

Commenting on the Chinese threat to North East, Ravi, who has also been very critical over prolonged imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the region, further revealed that India has stopped patrolling by its security forces in the India-China-Myanmar tri-juncture to avoid confrontation with the Chinese and by doing so, India has already lost hold over a substantial portion of land.

All these revelations from a former IB official should be enough for the people of Manipur to understand why the Government of India has been indifferent to their hue and cry over the imminent loss of a large portion of Manipur’s land to Myanmar if the ongoing border fencing along Indo-Myanmar boundary is allowed to be carried without proper demarcation of the boundary between the two neighbouring countries first.

It is true that India has admitted to the existing boundary dispute with Myanmar.

But so far no concrete steps have been taken up for the proposed joint survey of the disputed border areas and has remained silent over the reported incursion of Myanmarese Army, who have even set up their base camp inside the territory of Manipur and erected wooden fencing on their own at Haolenphai village, claiming the land areas to be falling within their territory.

In such a situation and specially in the light of the revelation made by former Special Director of IB RN Ravi, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh led Congress Government should stop giving any more assurances to the people on the commitment of the Centre to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur, but make some serious effort towards resolving the border dispute along with other political parties, social organisations and the people.

The issue of territorial integrity of Manipur is a very emotive one that could burn not just the heart but also the Assembly building where the people send their representatives to govern the State.

This point should not be forgotten.