Joining hands with Manipuris in Assam in mind UCM rolls up sleeves to counter SAPO's bandh
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 28 2022: The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has warned of launching a counter bandh by joining hands with the Manipuris in Assam if the Southern Angami People's Organisation (SAPO) doesn't withdraw its indefinite bandh on Manipur vehicles along Imphal-Dimapur highway at the earliest.

The All Assam Manipuri Students' Union (AAMSU), Central Committee has also come out strongly against the move of SAPO and stated that the Government of Nagaland is unfit and incapable which could not control its citizens from carrying out anti-social activities which trouble the neighbouring State.

Speaking to media persons at Lamphelpat today, UCM president Joychandra Konthoujam stated that the committee will not remain a silent spectator nor enter into any agreement whenever a boundary of Manipur is put at stake.

UCM rolls up sleeves to counter SAPO's bandh

Saying that UCM has been looking into the border dispute between Manipur and Nagaland over the ownership of Dzuko valley, Joychandra asserted that SAPO imposing an indefinite bandh on NH-2 for establishing a security outpost on the Manipur side of Dzuko valley is uncalled for.

The UCM doesn't have any ill feeling against the people of Nagaland but the action of SAPO is unfair and it might create animosity among the indigenous people of North East region, he cautioned.

Urging the SAPO to withdraw its bandh at the earliest, Joychandra asserted that the UCM will launch a counter bandh by joining hands with the Manipuris in Assam if the demand is not heeded.

Discussions at various levels should be initiated between the Manipur and Nagaland Governments to settle the land dispute between the two States, he opined and added that it would be very wrong to assume that SAPO will get its demand by imposing the indefinite bandh on National Highway.

Joychandra went on to ask why SAPO which is based in Nagaland is pressing its demand to the Government in Manipur and lauded Chief Minister N Biren Singh for his firm stand to protect the boundary of Manipur.

He further stated that UCM has contacted Mao Union over the matter and as per the latter two-third of Dzuko Valley belongs to Manipur.

Urging the State Government to not remove the security forces from the disputed site and carry out a proper demarcation, Joychandra maintained that Manipuris don't want even an inch of land from Nagaland but what is "ours cannot be compromised under any circumstances" .

UCM will carry out an inspection drive at the disputed area soon.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by AAMSU said that there will be a series of counter consequences if the bandh on National Highway 2 is not withdrawn and at that time Nagaland Government and SAPO should take responsibility for any outcome.

It also said that Manipuri truck drivers undergoing different forms of harassment due to economic blockade or bandh called by CSOs based in Nagaland is not a new issue.

Saying that SAPO imposing indefinite bandh on National Highway -2 for establishing an outpost of Manipur police in its area is illogical, AAMSU stated that SAPO should be ashamed of interfering into the affairs of its neighbouring State.

"It is nowhere the duty of SAPO to poke its nose into others' matters," it said and added that blocking a National Highway as a means of protest to fulfil their 'unjustified' demand is unacceptable.

AAMSU then urged the Nagaland Government to intervene and settle the issue and also prevent it from happening ever again.