Restrictions/threats on Mao folks by SAPO figure in Assembly
Won't compromise State's boundary : CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 23 2023: Chief Minister N Biren has categorically stated that there would be no question of compromising the State's boundary due to the pressure and threats of the Southern Angami People's Organisation (SAPO) .

Responding to a call attention motion raised by Opposition MLA K Ranjit regarding the restriction imposed by SAPO on movement of Mao people in Angami areas, the Chief Minister stated that the State Government has been keeping a close watch so as to safeguard the rights of Mao people.

The issue is a very sensitive one and it involves two neighbouring States but the Government cannot overlook it, he said.

In the past, Dzuko valley was accessible only through Nagaland and SAPO used to collect money from travellers in the form of entry free.

Restrictions/threats on Mao folks by SAPO figure in Assembly

There were also many incidents of harassment, detention, assault on trekkers and denial of entry to Dzuko valley, Biren said.

While keeping Mao people away by using threats and intimidation, SAPO was felling and taking out majestic trees from the Kozurii area, he continued.

After the Government came to know about this clandestine activity, the Government held several rounds of talks with SAPO representatives and Mao public leaders separately.

Later, the Government issued an order on December 30, 2020 for construction of a security barrack at Dzuko.

Even after construction of the security barrack, the SAPO continued to threaten Mao people.

However, the State Government has been restraining itself so as to avoid conflicts between people of the two neighbouring States, he said.

Informing the House that the Government would give compensation for the three vehicles set ablaze by SAPO, Biren said that the State Government had talked with the Government of Nagaland on the issue at the Chief Ministers' level.

The Chief Secretary as well as the DGP also wrote to their Nagaland counterparts so as to avoid unwanted incidents.

"I've also talked with the Union Home Minister about the issue.

Being a sensitive issue, we have been exercising maximum restraint", Biren said.

After construction of a 15-Km long road from Mao to Kozurii, a track which extends to Dzuko has been laid, he said.

He also conveyed gratitude to the people of Mao, Maram, Paomei and Thangal for their support in opening the security barrack.

Apart from opening a Mao market at Imphal, Mao-Imphal bus service has been introduced.

There is also a bus service which connects Mao to Dimapur via Peren and this route skirts the SAPO area.

At the same time, the Centre has assured foolproof security, Biren said.

The Government would do everything to safeguard the rights of Mao people without allowing the issue to snowball into any major violent conflict, he said.

"We will never compromise the boundary of Manipur because of their (SAPO) threats and pressure", the Chief Minister asserted.

Outer Manipur MP Dr Lorho S Pfoze had pointed out that the boundary between Manipur and Nagaland was demarcated circa 1870 and the area being claimed by SAPO is located within the boundary of Manipur.

The MP also made it very clear that SAPO's claim is unconstitutional, Biren said.

Raising the call attention motion, K Ranjit said that he was deeply hurt on seeing how the SAPO has been provoking and victimising the Mao people every now and then by taking advantage of their settlement along the National Highway.