Imphal, October 08, 2009: The issue of encroaching Manipur land by the Nagaland authority in and around Jessami village in Ukhrul district is likely to become another headache for the Congress led Secular Progressive Front ministry in Manipur as Nagaland official has claimed that the occupation was done as per centre's directive.

Villagers under Jessami area of Manipur had accused Nagaland of encroaching on the Manipur territory during a recent visit of Information Centre for Hill Areas.

Manipur ICHAM), Tangkhul Youth Council, Raphei Katamnao Long (Northern Students Organisation) and media persons to the area.

The villagers have further accused Nagaland government of illegally constructing three rest houses on Jessami side in the past three months besides set ting up a Nagaland Armed Police outpost on top of Tevumo Hill six months back.

Meanwhile refuting the report, Deputy Commissioner of Nagaland's Phek district Mikha Lomi on Wednesday clarified that as per instruction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs the NAP personnel have been deputed temporarily to protect the infrastructure of the BSF post after their withdrawal from the area.

According to a Nagaland based newspaper, the DC said deployment of NAP personnel there has nothing to do with the Nagaland government.

Stating that the BSF set up its posts at Lanyi and Akash Bridge which fall under Manipur state, the DC affirmed that the Nagaland government has no intention to intrude into Manipur area as alleged and that 5 NAP Commandant Vechipa Vese has written to the state government to withdraw the NAP personnel from Akash Bridge.

'I am informed that the infrastructure is in a dilapidated state and the forces deployed are not comfortable there,' he stated.

The DC also told the media that the district administration has not been informed about the proposed visit of the officials from Ukhrul district and that no such allegations have been received officially till date.

On the other hand, many civil society organizations of Manipur including United Committee Manipur (UCM )and All Clubs, Organizations and Meira Paibi Lup popularly known as ACOM Lup lamented over the state government's failure to protect the boundary of the state while also urging the government to act fast on the matter, in the wake of the reported encroachment of land by neighbouring state near Jessami in Ukhrul district.

UCM's assistant secretary of Information and Public Relations N Jiban has pointed out that the state government has failed to institute a boundary commission to erect boundary pillar along the border even as some parts of the land have been encroached by neighbouring states.

Mention may be made here that taking serious note of the news of encroachment, Minister of irrigation and flood control minister and the spokesman of the Secular Progressive Front ministry N Biren said that a fact finding committee comprising Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul and other districts officials will be sent to Jessami to look into the matter and submit a report soon.

When contacted Deputy Commissioner Ukhrul told this reporter over telephone that a team of district administration would be visiting Jessami village next week.

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