Joy calls on Najma with MU, border issues
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 14 2018: Former Minister O Joy met Governor Dr Najma Heptulla yesterday and urged her to take up necessary steps to bring a positive solution to the ongoing crisis at Manipur University and to carry out a resurvey of the territorial boundary of the State in connection with the ongoing border issue as well.

Speaking to media persons at his residence at Kakwa today, O Joy said that as per the boundary agreement signed between India and Burma at Rangoon in 1967, boundary pillar 81 (then 18) was supposed to be on the right side of Manjet Lok but due to the error of the joint boundary commission, the pillar was erected on the left side of Manjet Lok.

Claiming that the necessary rules and regulations were not followed while erecting the boundary pillars, O Joy explained that boundaries are demarcated after considering the latitude and longitude figures.

Alleging that longitude and latitude figures were not shown when India and Burma erected the boundary pillar, O Joy asked how the people of Manipur can agree to such outrageous terms and the fear and apprehension of the people that some part of Manipur may have been lost, is justified.

Asking if the boundary of Manipur measuring around 22,327 square kilometres as mentioned in the Government land record of 1931 and 1981 has been confirmed, he claimed that as per the Government land record of 1951 and 1961, the size of Manipur is mentioned as 22, 347 square kilometres and then in 1971, the figure was mentioned as 22,356 square kilometres.

He asked why the size of Manipur is different each time in the Government land records and demanded a territorial boundary resurvey so as to alleviate the fear of the people that some part of the State may have been lost.

He added that during the meeting yesterday, he conveyed to the Governor that losing a part of Manipur to Burma is the same as losing a part of India to another country.

The Governor assured to inform the External Affairs Ministry regarding the issue and also urged him to do the same as well, Joy claimed.

O Joy continued that during the meeting, he also apprised the Governor on the current impasse at Manipur University and urged her to intervene and come to an understanding with MUSU, MUTA and MUSA to bring a swift solution to the raging issue.

He stated that he further appealed to the Governor to urge the HRD Minister to take up necessary steps to save the career and future of the students.

The Governor assured him that she has already sent a letter to the HRD Ministry and as the Chief Minister is in Delhi, he will also try to meet all the officials concerned to bring a swift and positive solution to the issue.

On the other hand, O Joy condemned the action of the police against the student protesters and urged the Government to take up proper actions against the involved police personnel.

He also appealed to the students to refrain from violence while carrying out their strike.

Comment