No need for Centre's intervention in Dzukou issue: BJP
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, June 30 2015 : BJP Manipur Pradesh is against the State Government's idea to seek the Centre's intervention in the ongoing conflict between Mao Council and Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) over ownership of Dzukou Valley, the party functionaries said on Tuesday.

The BJP, instead, held the inefficiency of the State Government as responsible for this impasse and demanded that the State solve this problem on its own.

A press meet was held at the BJP State office at Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal on Tuesday.

Speaking to mediapersons, M Ashwinikumar (general secretary-Administration) said that the Naga Hills Boundary Commission formed during British times decided on a boundary between the State of Manipur and Naga Hills districts.

According to it, the Dzukou river was a boundary line between Manipur and the Naga Hills.

68% of the Dzukou river basin falls under territory of Manipur and the rest 32% under Naga Hills.

The boundary is well demarcated and there is no room for dispute between the two States, he added.

Ashwinikumar further criticised the Manipur Government for its inability to assert the 'unmistakable term' that Dzukou valley belongs to Manipur.

He demanded that the State check any kind of encroachment inside the Manipur teritory, and wondered why the Government is silent and acting passive all this while.

He also added that Manipur's right to Dzukou valley is well-established by the treaty of Manipur and the then British Government.

He also reacted strongly to the recent statement of Nagaland CM TR Zeliang who contended that the issue should be resolved by Naga Customary Laws, and termed it as extremely ridiculous.

Ashwinikumar also opposed the demand of chief minister Ibobi and Deputy CM Gaikhangam for arbitration by the Central Government in this dispute.

He demanded the State Government to take a firm stand to protect Dzukou valley and to impress upon Nagaland Government at the earliest.

Spokesperson of BJP Manipur Pradesh RK Shivachandra also attended the press meet.

Blaming the State Government for this dispute, he said that it could not even properly demarcate district boundaries.

He also questioned the Manipur Government regarding its steps to provide security and safety to the Mao students who had fled Nagaland after receiving threats. Shivachandra further criticised the Government for coming to senses and accepting realities only when it is too late, and expressed displeasure over the report on the Dzukou valley given by Deputy CM in the Assembly on Monday.

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