Barbed fence put up at the disputed site of Kezoltsa area.
KOHIMA, MARCH 6 (MExN): The Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) on Wednesday directed Mao citizens residing within Angami jurisdiction in Kohima to return to their respective native villages as per customary norm, “since the Mao Council had totally failed to vacate and withdraw the Manipur security forces which was established at the disputed Kezoltsa, at their behest, with ulterior motive.”
This action is necessitated to de-escalate pent up tensions, prevent untoward incidents and for safety and protection of Mao citizens, living under the Angami jurisdiction, a press release received from SAPO president Er Tepul Hopovi and general secretary Swelul Pucho informed.
It may be recalled that the Angami Public Organization (APO) mediating for SAPO had issued a deadline to the Mao Council on January 20 to take full responsibility in withdrawing the Manipur Rifles/police and all its security apparatus stationed at the disputed site of Kezoltsa/Kozürü/Kazing on or before February 20.
In response, the Mao Council informed the APO through a letter on February 10 that it had approached the Manipur government over the same and had met Chief Minister N Biren Singh on February 8 with a joint representation during which they were told that the police force/government property has been set up for the protection of the state boundary- but, as requested, the matter would be looked into.
The letter further stated that in addition, "for the noble purpose of finding a resolution to the land dispute amongst kindred tribes as per customary law and practices, the CM assured of the state government's cooperation including lifting of the 144 CrPC under promulgation in the area."
It further said that the Manipur CM assured that he will instruct the Senapati District Administration or Superintendent of Police to contact their counterparts in Nagaland to facilitate smooth conduct of the survey/visit to the dispute area by the APO.
The joint representation signed by the Mao Council, Mao Naga Women Welfare Association and Mao Naga Students addressed to the Chief Minister of Manipur with copies to the Governor of Manipur and Senapati MLAs, asked the Manipur government to withdraw Manipur Rifles/police and all its security apparatus stationed at Kozürü/Kezoltsa and Dzükou area.
The representation highlighted that "the verdict given by the Tenyimi Public Organisation (TPO) on the captioned land dispute was not accepted by both MC & SAPO. However in pursuit for resolution of the above dispute the APO has offered its good office as a mediator, which has been welcomed by the Mao Council."
It said that accordingly, the organizations met on two occasions with the most recent meeting on April 28, 2023, where the Mao Council was asked to formally request the Government of Manipur for withdrawal of Manipur security personnel posted in the dispute area. "However, before we could submit the request to the GoM, the ethnic clash broke out in Manipur state," the representation said.
The joint representation, in view of the above has asked the Chief Minister to issue necessary order for withdrawal of the Manipur Security forces/security apparatus in the said area “to enable smooth conduct of visit of the area by the APO and the TPO officials and thereby facilitate the resolution of the dispute and the restoration of relationship between the disputing parties.”
