Stop border fencing, says NPF
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 11 2013: Demanding immediate halt to the construction of border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border until such time the international boundary is clearly demarcated by competent authorities of the two countries�India and Myanmar, the Naga People's Front (NPF) Manipur State unit has lambasted the State Govt for all the misgivings.

It is matter of surprise that that so called construction of border fencing commenced immediately after the visit of a team led by O Ibobi, the Chief Minister of Manipur to Myanmar, General Secretary of NPF, Manipur Athuan Abonmai said in a statement.

During the visit to Myanmar, Ibobi had offered to construct a hospital if the Myanmarese authorities could provide land.

Apart from that, sadly, what else transpired in the visit could not be for the benefit of the people.

But, what is clear is that he had donned the role of a PM or External Affairs Minister of a country as the visit showed, the NPF said.

It was only after a report on the illegal border fencing by an organization called ICHAM that the State Government was quick enough to claim that it was only for security purpose, the NPF said while categorically asking why the State Government should set up the border fencing committee if it was for security purpose.

"And why and how should the Chief Minister and his deputy apprised the Prime Minister on this issue?, it asked adding, it is all an eye wash and wondered for how long the people have to be taken for granted by the Ibobi led Congress Government.

Now, the security fencing could not control the infiltration/enchroachment of the Myanmarese as the Myanmar army has constructed base camp at Hollenphai village inside Indian territory right under the nose of the Indian authorities, the NPF stated.

"When the people of Manipur particularly those at the border area are suffering due to loss of huge chunks of their land to Myanmar because of the border fencing, the State Govt is claiming that it is only security fencing.

Taking serious note of the alleged nonchalant attitude of the state Government towards the pathetic plight of the people, the NPF wondered if the Govt could afford to barter away thousands of hectres of land to Myanmar in the name of border fencing.

Notwithstanding the myriad ills already affecting the people of the state at large arising out of the total mismanagement of the Congress led Government in all fronts, it is even more unfortunate with regard to the latest issue of losing territories along the international border due to the weak and corrupt policy of the state Government, it pointed out, while wondering if New Delhi is aware of all these.

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