ICHAM bats for Mao people
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 17 2015 :
Information Centre for Hill Areas Manipur (ICHAM) has urged the people of Nagaland especially Southern Angami People's Organisation (SAPO) volunteers not to restrict movement of Mao people along NH-2 .
Speaking at a press conference, ICHAM president N Rajendro said that it was unfortunate to ask Mao people living in Nagaland including over 300 students to leave Nagaland on Dzuko valley land encroachment issue.
In this regard, Rajendro urged the State Government to initiate a special arrangement for these students so that they do not lose their academic year.
On the other hand, Rajendro lauded the State Government for taking up necessary steps to stop construction of road by SAPO on Manipur territory.
He said that the discord between the two communities on the issue aggravated as the two State Governments did not do anything to resolve the issue on time.
Thrashing of people belonging to Mao community and damaging their vehicles could have been prevented if the two State Governments acted on the issue on time, he added.
He said that the current dispute has given lots of inconvenience to Mao people as they have been prevented from entering Nagaland and sell their products in the neighbouring State.
As such, the State Government must not remain silent on the issue, he observed.
Showing solidarity to Mao people, Rajendro urged different civil society organisations of the State to collectively extend support and co-operation to Mao people at this critical juncture.
He said that people of the State must acknowledge the contribution of Mao people towards protection of the State's territorial boundary.