Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 09 2009:
Reacting to the press statement of the Zeliangrong Land Preservation Committee published under the heading "Zeliangrong committee condemns" on February 7, executive officer of Maram-Thangal CAA asserted that the reported good will mission of the Maram-Thangal CAA P Nogi to curb communal clash between Rajamai and Chakha village who were literally armed to the teeth for possession of the alleged disputed land should be seen in the right perspective by all concerned.
In a press release, P Nogi clarified that when the Maram-Thangal CAA made a spot enquiry from January 21 to 23, it was found that the Chakha villagers had built up bunkers/trenches at several places and were guarding labourers and transporters with sophisticated weapons.
Although six kartus with 72 cartridges and one US carbine with 22 cartridges were seized from them, all these weapons were returned back to the Chakha villagers through one Khangbo Khapur of Zeliangrong region after an agreement was signed between the Rajamai village authorities and Chakha village authorities not to continue timber works in the area.
During the enquiry, the team neither beat any one nor burn timbers or trucks, the EO clarified while refuting the allegation of the Zeliangrong Land Preservation Committee as baseless.
While claiming that the Maram Thangal CAA is sincerely committed to finding out amicable solution to the issue by engaging the two parties in dialogue, it cautioned any group or organisation against patronising the disputing the parties on communal lines.