Arrested MMTA trekkers released
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30 2018:
Intervening on behalf of the State Government, PHED Minister L Dikho successfully negotiated the safe release of all the eight Manipur Mountaineering & Trekking Association (MMTA) members who were lodged in the custody of Nagaland Police after they were detained by SAPO and SAYO volunteers following a massive Dzuko Valley wildfire on November 27 .
According to sources, Dikho met representatives of Nagaland Government represented by Advisor to CM, DGP and some police officials along with Southern Angami civil bodies SAPO and SAYO at the CM's bungalow at Kohima.
The two parties while acknowledging the need to promote peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding between the two neighbouring States also condemned the ignition of wildfire which destroyed huge acres of the scenic Dzuko valley.
During the two hours long meeting, sources stated that the Southern Angami civil bodies expressed resentment over the activities of MMTA which allegedly triggered a massive wildfire from its base camp.
Nonetheless, the PHED Minister managed to convince SAYO & SAPO finally to release the trekkers with an assurance to avoid such activities in the valley.
The PHED Minister appreciated the goodwill gesture of Nagaland counterparts while assuring to protect the flora and fauna of Dzuko Valley jointly.
Till the time of filing this report, the released MMTA members had crossed the border town of Mao-gate.
The Minister also reportedly returned to Imphal after the meeting and is expected to meet the CM towards evening.
Earlier, on November 27, 8 MMTA members were arrested by Nagaland Police after SAYO filed an FIR at Khuzama Police station on charges of triggering the wildfire.
Family members of the arrested trekkers met CM Biren on November 29 who assured to get the release of the detained trekkers by sending the PHED Minister to Kohima for speedy intervention.