UCM advises SAPO to withdraw stir
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 28 2022:
United Committee Manipur (UCM) president Joy chandra Konthoujam has cautioned of imposing a counter blockade along with Manipuris residing in Assam if Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) refuses to withdraw its ongoing blockade along the National Highway at the earliest.
Addressing a press meet held at UCM office, Lamphel on Monday, Joychandra said that Dzuko valley is one of the many territory issues of Manipur.
However, it is unreasonable of SAPO to object to the establishment of an IRB post in the valley, at a distance of 100 metres from Nagaland border and into Manipur's own territory.
It is even more unreasonable of SAPO to impose blockades along the National Highway (Imphal-Dimapur road) over the issue.
As such, he advised SAPO to withdraw the blockade immediately while cautioning that failure to honour it sincere proposal will compel UCM to launch counter-blockade along with Manipuris based in Assam, which could potentially lead to disharmony among the northeastern populace.
"SAPO should understand the gravity of the situation," he remarked.
Lauding CM Biren's declaration to not compromise an inch of Dzuko valley, Joychandra said that border issues should be resolved by governments and the idea of resolving the same with customary law is unreasonable.
He then questioned SAPO if customary law dictates imposition of bandh/blockade.
"It is UCM's unwavering stand to protect and preserve the territory left behind by our forefathers," he contended.
He continued: "After a land dispute occurred in Kajuri area of Dzuko valley in 2015 which led to the violent incident at Mao vegetable market in Kohima, the Mao vegetable market was opened in Manipur.
Two-thirds of Dzuko Valley belong to Manipur, which is undisputable and affirmed by then Mao Union.
"As such, the belief that by imposing bandh/blockade along the national highways leading to Manipur will help some people in meeting their goals is rather an ignorant assumption and should be rectified immediately.
The Dzuko Valley issue cannot be resolved with bandh/blockade, but through talks between the heads of the two state governments.
Internal issues must be resolved by the respective governments as well.
Narrow-minded thinking and imposing bandhs along the highways will only create disharmony and misunderstandings," he stated.
Joychandra then informed that UCM will be inspecting the disputed Dzuko Valley soon, while adding that Mao Council has extended its support to the Committee.
Meanwhile, the national highway is a central subject and as such, appropriate action needs to be taken up to put a stop to such illegal activities.
Both the central government and the governments of Nagaland and Manipur need to demarcate the boundary to prevent a recurrence of such issues in the future, he suggested.