Dzuko Valley stand off ICHAM demands Govt protection
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 05 2015 :
The Information Centre for Hill Areas Manipur (ICHAM) has expressed strong displeasure over the prohibitions imposed on Mao people by neighbouring South Angami people of Nagaland in connection with the land dispute at Dzuko Valley.
Briefing media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, ICHAM president N Rajendro said that Mao people are suffering today because of the State Government's inability to check incursion and settle boundary disputes in time.
He also appealed to the Southern Angami people to withdraw their ultimatum on humanitarian ground.
The Southern Angami people had asked all Mao people to leave seven Angami villages by June 9 .
The ultimatum would create serious problems for Mao students if they have to leave their schools now as the current academic session is almost midway.
Both the Governments of Nagaland and Manipur ought to work sincerely to resolve the boundary issue at the earliest so that Mao people are not victimised any further, said ICHAM.
The prohibitions imposed on Mao people is tantamount to targeting all the people of Manipur.
It's time for all communities of Manipur to stand united with Mao people.
"We must acknowledge that Mao people have been safeguarding the northern boundary of Manipur.
For their immense contributing in safeguarding the integrity of Manipur, the State Government, civil society organisations and the general public must help the Mao people," Rajendro asserted.
If any untoward incident happens to Mao people in connection with the border row, the State Government should be held accountable.
He then appealed to all concerned not to serve quite notice on Mao people living in Nagaland.
The border dispute should be resolved between the State Governments of Manipur and Nagaland.
It is not only the Mao people but all the communities of Manipur are also equally committed to the territorial integrity of Manipur, he added.