Minister Dikho takes stock of present situation at Tungjoy disputed area
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, March 06 2021:
In response to the information received regarding the deployment of more security personnel along the disputed land between Tungjoy village of Senapati district and Khezhakeno village under Phek district, Nagaland, PHE Minister, Losii Dikho rushed to Tungjoy village and took stock of the present situation from the villagers, yesterday.
On his arrival, the villagers expressed their reservations against the Watershed principle boundary as claimed by the Nagaland Government and not through traditional boundary as applied to all Naga inhabited land.
In regard to the setting up of NAP along the inter-village border, the villagers mentioned that it was initiated as a neutral force to control any untoward incident that could arise between the two villages.
It may be mentioned that the concerned authorities of Manipur led by ADGP Kailun in consultation with the counterpart authorities of Nagaland met at the disputed area last year and resolved to install one camp of Manipur State Police force.
The recent arrival of a new battalion of 11 IRBs from Nagaland at the disputed land 2 days ago is stated to be an unauthorized step against the resolution of 2020, which has created a tense situation in the disputed area.
The villagers appealed to withdraw such unauthorised reinforcement of security personnel at the area.
The visiting Minister asserted that the Government of Manipur and Nagaland are working to settle the problem of the two villages.
Minister Dikho also suggested a deliberation between the sub committee recently installed by the State Government and the villagers to discuss the prevailing situation.
Briefing the media, M Pradip Singh, IPS, SP, Senapati having met the SP of Phek district, Nagaland mentioned that the main purpose of the deployment of security personnel at the disputed land is to keep peace between the two villages of Tungjoy and Khezhakeno.
M Pradip continued that during the meeting between the SPs of Manipur and Nagaland, he readily agreed an offer from the other counterpart for a friendly football match with an aim to keep cordial relationship between the security personnel stationed there at the disputed land while calling the SP of Phek district as friendly and understanding.
With each deployment of security personnel at the disputed land, the Senapati SP is hopeful to bring amicable solutions through their presence.
Speaking to media person, the chairman of Tungjoy village, MS Marcus mentioned that some of the boundary landmarks of the 1872 survey by Butlar and Dr Gordon were given as a direct line between Mt Esii/Tenepu and Mt Selephe/Telezu, a direct line between Mt Selephe/Telezu and Mt Ngaphorai/Mungo and a direct line between Mt Ngaphorai/Mungo and Kapamasii range.
Going by the direct line between Mt Selephe and Mt Ngaphorai, the State boundary of Manipur and Nagaland would not run at the far end of the watershed as claimed by the Khezhakeno.
The 1872 survey made by Butlar and Gordon is deemed final and the State boundary can be altered by an act of Parliament only, he added.
The chairman stated that as per minutes of meeting between the Chief Secretaries of Manipur and Nagaland as on October 14, 2000, it is pertinent to mention that the two district administrations agreed not to carry out any development work until an amicable settlement of the dispute is reached.
MS Marcus further alleged that the Nagaland Government strayed from the resolution taken during the meeting between the officials of the two States by initiating various activities at the disputed land in the past.
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