JD (U) slams bureaucrat's comment on border dispute
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 27 2013: Principal Secretary (Home) Dr Suresh Babu's definition on the ongoing barricading of the Indo-Myanmar international border in Manipur (Chandel) sector that it is 'security fencing and not border fencing' has been strongly criticised by the Janata Dal (United) Manipur State as ridiculous and diversionary tactics.

Interacting with media persons at its Babupara office today, State unit JD (U) president Moirangthem Tombi said joy and high hope the people had on hearing Government announcement of a high level committee visiting border areas to assess the prevailing situation consequent to the border fencing issue ended on a sour note when the Dr Suresh Babu termed the barb-wire fencing work as security barrier (fencing) .

Tombi insisted that the people need explanation on how the fencing could be a part of the security apparatus when many border villages of Manipur are being bifurcated by the fencing along the international border.

When substantial land and citizens of Manipur are left on the Myanmar side owing to the fencing work how can the Government expect to instill sense of security among the citizens, posed the State JD (U) chief.

Seeking explanation on whether the Principal Secretary's comments are his own or had the consent of the Government, Tombi demanded suitable action against the top bureaucrat official if the remarks are his personal opinion.

Dr Suresh Babu was part of the State Government constituted committee whose members visited disputed areas along the Indo-Myanmar border areas yesterday.

Highlighting that security fencing causing separation of Indian citizens is not only unjustifiable but also unacceptable, Tombi reminded that many of the villages who be left on the Myanmar side once the fencing work has been completed possess valid Indian citizenship documents and had been paying payable taxes to the Government.

Moreover the affected villagers tearfully conveying to the Government of India through the media to protect their ancestral land along with suggesting that border fencing work be halted till the dispute is amicably settled are enough testimony that they have no affiliation with Myanmar, construed the JD (U) president.

He also reminded that representatives of non-Congress political parties had recently apprised the Central Government and parties' national leaders to intervene for stopping the ongoing border fencing work.

Failing to notice sentiment of the people of Manipur might lead to undesired far reaching consequences as the people are yet to forget the pain of parting with Kabo Valley many decades back, Tombi cautioned.

Earlier B JP State unit president and former Union Minister Th Chaoba demanded immediate halt to border fencing work.

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