ICHAM refutes Cong's allegations on border fencing
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 03 2023: Information Centre for Hill Areas (ICHAM) has strongly refuted the statements made by Congress party alleging that the organisation objected to the Indo-Myanmar border fencing, terming it as false and baseless claims.

Addressing a press meet at Manipur Press Club, here, on Sunday, ICHAM advisor BB Sharma clarified that the organisation only raised its objection to the installation of the fence deep inside Manipur's territory, which would lead state to lose its land area.

ICHAM never demanded for the border fencing to be stopped altogether but rather requested for conduct of a joint survey first by India and Myanmar so to ascertain the exact boundary line before continuing with the border fencing.

The body only urged for a demarcation at the earliest, he added.

At the time, apart from ICHAM, various political parties including BJP and Congress and CSOs worked together to ensure that the border fencing is carried out correctly without affecting Manipur's territory.

As such, it would be wrong to accuse ICHAM of blocking the border fencing because of misunderstandings, BB Sharma remarked, while adding that body works in accordance with the wishes of the people.

ICHAM former president N Rajendro alias Boi expressed regret over attempts being made to drag ICHAM in the mud amid the political games being played over the on-going issue in the state.

He recounted that apart from ICHAM, other CSOs such as UCM, AMUCO, etc., also urged for carrying out the border fencing properly.

As such, it is extremely unfortunate to have ICHAM's efforts maligned just for some political advantage, he lamented.

He then urged all concerned not to repeat such acts in the future, cautioning that ICHAM will not stay "silent" in case of failing to do so.

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