Imphal, October 06 2009: Following the reports of how Nagaland Government has intruded into the State's territory at Jessami and had constructed an outpost of the Nagaland Armed Police, the State Government has taken up the matter with their Nagaland counterpart.

An official statement issued by the State Government today said that the police outpost and other structures were constructed by the BSF and with the withdrawal of the BSF, the structures were taken over by the Nagaland Armed Police.

Asserting that the Government of Manipur stands fully committed to protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur, the statement said that the matter has been taken up with the Government of Nagaland.

The matter will be followed up actively to ensure the early and amicable resolution of the issue, assured the State Government.

The Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul had also visited the spot in March and June this year.

Earlier in the evening, Chief Minister O Ibobi convened a meeting to discuss the report about the incursion of Nagaland into Manipur's territory.

The Council of Ministers, Government officials including the Chief Secretary and others attended the meeting.

Later briefing newsmen after the meeting, SPF spokesman and IFCD Minister N Biren said that the State Government has taken a serious note of the reports published in a number of newspapers today.

There is no earlier report that the Nagaland Government had encroached upon the territory of Manipur at Jessami, claimed the spokesman.

To get a first hand account of the situation, an official team, comprising the DC of Ukhrul, the SDO and SDC concerned will be despatched to Jessami, said Biren.

The Government will take up due action according to the fact finding report submitted by the official team, he added.

Though there is no official report that Nagaland Government has intruded into the territory of Manipur, the State Government has taken the matter seriously, said Biren and added that necessary action would be taken up along with the Government of Nagaland.

If the situation warrants, the matter will also be highlighted to the Centre, he added.

On the other hand, Commissioner in charge of Home, Government of Manipur, V Vumlumang, on being contacted said that act of intrusion into the territory of Manipur cannot be accepted.

Talking to The Sangai Express in connection with the issue, the Commissioner (Home) informed that the DGP has been asked to submit a detailed report in this regard.

Based on the report, necessary measures would be taken up, he said.

The Commissioner also pointed out that BSF used to be posted at the camp, where the post of the Nagaland Armed Post has been reportedly set up, until the withdrawal of the force.

The BSF was withdrawn from Manipur to be engaged against the Naxalites.

Other than setting up the police outpost and a couple of rest houses, the people of Jessami had alleged that the Nagaland Armed Police use to assault them and refuse to let them take back the agricultural produce from across the border.

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