This “irresponsible and inhuman” act of SAPO could only increase the hostility amongst different people of Northeast and escalate tension at the border areas as the highway is the “lifeline” of not only Manipur but also of Nagaland and Assam.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
All Assam Manipuri Youths Association (AAMYA) has expressed dismay over the indefinite bandh called by the Southern Angami People’s Organization (SAPO) since the midnight of March 23 demanding for withdrawal of the Manipur police armed personnel and removing structures from the “disputed area” of Kezoltsa.
Talking to this Correspondent over phone, AAMYA Central Committee chief advisor, Kundal Singh, said that the “permanent structures” are well within the present “political boundary” of Manipur. He said that the SAPO called indefinite bandh was quite “illogical” as the position of the Manipur police armed personnel and the permanent structures are well within the “political boundary” of Manipur and beyond the jurisdiction of SAPO.
He said that it was understood to have aimed in protecting the “eco-system” keeping in mind the last Dzukou Valley fire incident, safeguarding and assisting the villagers along the Manipur-Nagaland border. If at all, the arrangement affects public life, AAMYA was of the opinion to let the governments of both the states discuss the issue “officially and maturely”.
AAMYA pointed out that the people are just out of the COVID-19 crisis and the trucks and other vehicles are rushing their way to Imphal with immediate responsibilities but all stranded on the highway. Kundal termed that this “irresponsible and inhuman” act of SAPO could only increase the hostility amongst the different people of the Northeast and escalate tension at the border as the highway is the “lifeline” of not only Manipur but also of Nagaland and Assam.
“If we have to live together peacefully in this north eastern part of India, we should respect each other and should not hold the highway as a cheap bait to raise petty, personal and malicious agenda”, said the AAMYA Central Committee chief advisor.
Also stating that it is high time to change our “pressure tactics” including public harassment in any form which breeds “hatred and conflict”, Kundal assured that there is always a “peaceful and democratic way” out of a problem, howsoever grave it might be.
In this regard, he suggested that the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) withdraw the ongoing indefinite bandh in the interest of the people at the earliest.
Not heading to the request, Kaundal said that AAMYA would also impose “counter bandh or other counter measures” along the Assam-Nagaland border areas or in any areas covered by Manipuri organizations led by AAMYA in Assam.
Nagaland government’s responsibility to look into the issue, says SAPO
Meanwhile, the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) called indefinite bandh against Manipur government for showing “lackadaisical attitude” towards its demands on the issue on withdrawing its armed personnel and removing structures from the “disputed area” of Kezoltsa enters day 5, it was known that the same would continue till the issue is brought to an honuorable end.
When contacted, SAPO president, Kevipodi Sophie, informed this correspondent that if the AAMYA has “plan or decided” to go for certain agitation(s) within their jurisdiction(s), it is up to them for the SAPO have no objection as the former cannot do anything in their land for they have their own authority.
Stating that no organization(s) can “threatened us” and take away the “traditionally belonged land” and would not “move an inch back” in claiming which is rightful, Sophie said that it is up to to the Nagaland State government to “tackle” the issue. According to him it was not the SAPO’s responsibility to intervene into the matter of AAMYA “blocking or not allowing vehicles” to enter Nagaland state.
Sophie pointed out that the issue of Kezoltsa has been going on for the last 30 years due to a “certain tribe” injecting the Manipur government with wrong information, and thereby the latter occupying the very land of the Nagas. He however said all the “fact and figures” are with SAPO.