CPI cautions Govt on border issue
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 18 2013: Cautioning the Government that inaction on the border fencing dispute will have far reaching consequences as the issue is a sentimental one for the people of Manipur, CPI Manipur State council secretary Dr M nara said the undesired development is most unfortunate as the month-long death/birth anniversary of pioneer figure Lamyanba Hijam Irabot is under observance.

Reminding that prospect of Manipur losing yet another large tract of land to the international neighbour is cause for serious concern to all and affirming that the boundary fencing issue is mired in controversy is getting clearer with each passing day, Dr Nara observed that inspite of the Government claiming to be working for an amicable settlement at the earliest the masses are yet to be convinced that necessary measures are being taken up in this regard.

Expressing that taking into account sentiment of the masses the Government needs to convene an all political party meeting to discuss the issue in detail, the former legislator also noted remarks by the Union Ministry of External Affairs' spokesman Sahid Kutub-uddin that process is underway for formation of a joint working group of Indian and Myanmarese representatives to work out a solution.

In case the said group is to be constituted it should be ensured that a senior officer having wide range of knowledge on Manipur should be one of the members, proposed the CPI leader.

Joining the media briefing held today at Irabot Bhavan, BT road, another former legislator N Mangi asserted that during a recent inspection visit comprising CPI's Nupi Marup and trade union leaders at the disputed area it had been confirmed that Manipur stands to lose large tract of land to Myanmar once the boundary fencing work is completed.

Opining that any dispute arising out of the border fencing would have negative impact on India's ambitious look East policy between the immediate neighbours, Mangi suggested that Government of Manipur prevail upon the Central authorities to immediately put on hold all border fencing works until and unless the issue at hand has been resolved.

According to trade union functionaries L Sotinkumar and RK Amusana border fencing is being constructed about 100 metres towards Moreh town from the temple of the border town's Tamil community.

Moreover replacement of Border Pillar No.76 with BP No.23 is creating more problem on the raging issue, they said and conveyed that Myanmar military erecting a wooden barricade (fencing) right through a large house in Hollenphai village of Moreh is not only impeding movement of the locals but constraining them to vacate the villages after dusk fearing reprisals from the Myanmar army.

They further highlighted Hollenphai villagers' desire that either an Indian army post or a Manipur police check post be opened at the disputed areas to enable the locals live under a secure environment.

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