Governor takes stock of border uproar
Source: The Sangai Express
Moreh, August 27 2013:
A day after the committee set up by the State Government visited the border areas in the backdrop of the attempt of the Myanmarese Army to set up a base camp at Hollenphai, inside the territory of Manipur, State Governor Dr Ashwini Kumar today visited Moreh and inspected various Integrated Check Posts constructed in the area.
The Governor also met representatives of several Moreh based Meira Paibi and community leaders before returning to Imphal.
The Governor's maiden visit to Moreh came amidst the din over the reported Myanmar Army's bid to set up a camp at Hollenphai village in Manipur Sector.
On his arrival, the Governor visited the spot where construction of Integrated Check Post was aborted at the request of Myanmarese authority at Moreh Ward No 1 .
He went up till the Indo-Myanmar Friendship bridge.
Later, the first citizen of the State held a meeting with representatives of various Moreh based public and community leaders at Moreh Trade Centre amid tight security measure.
The meeting was attended by leaders of Hill Tribal Council, Moreh; Meetei Council Moreh (MCM); ACODOM; Tamil Sangam; MMCM, Marwari Community; officials of Moreh Border Trade and Commerce; Meira Paibis and women wings of tribal organisations besides Chandel DC, Chittaranjan; Moreh ADC Robert Singh Kshetrimayum; Secretary to Governor RK Nimai; members of Committee on Protection of Land in Border Fencing and other Government officials of Chandel district.
Addressing the meeting.
Governor Dr Ashwini Kumar stated that he came here to identify the problems of the locals.
Claiming that he is equipped with full knowledge of the present imbroglio along the border line, Dr Ashwini Kumar assured necessary help towards this end.
He also said that Manipur would surely benefits from the National railway line project for NE States.
MCM president M Thoiba apprised the Governor of development deficit in Moreh although the township is peaceful.
He urged the Governor to seriously view the issue of Myanmar's attempt to set up its Army camp at Hollenphai and intervene on the matter.
Vice-President of Hill Tribal Council, Ginsei Lhungdim urged the Governor to speed up the construction of ICPs in Moreh area.
He also expressed strong disapproval over the construction of either security fencing or border fencing at the cost of tribal land.
At the same time, the District Immunization Officer of Moreh and Committee on Protection of Land in Border Fencing have submitted separate memorandum to the Governor.
Urging the Government of India and the State Government to properly identify the Pemberton Line that demarcates the boundary between Manipur (India) and Myanmar, the Committee on Protection of Land in Border Fencing has warned of launching intense agitation along with the people of the State if the authorities concerned fail to conduct re-survey and re-demarcation of Manipur (India)-Myanmar boundary in accordance with the Pemberton Line within a month.
Ceasing construction of fencing along the border until the Government of India, Govt of Manipur and Myanmarese authority conduct a joint survey of the International boundary, inclusion of CPLBF representatives and indigenous people in the joint survey are among the other demands made by the CPLBF.
The District Immunization Officer (DIO) of Moreh has sought the assistance of the Governor so that Myanmar Road is used to reach interior border villages of Manipur as and when required so that the goal of the NRHM can be achieved in the border areas of New Somtal and Yangoulen PHSCs.
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