SAPO had called a 3-day bandh from March 21 to 23 in protest against the attitude of the Manipur government on the Kezoltsa issue. Nagaland government on March 18 has reportedly written a letter to Manipur government with regard to the same issue but there was no response. The “disputed area” Kezoltsa issue has been pending for the last 30 years.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
With the Manipur government giving no heed to the Southern Angami Public Organization’s (SAPO) demand on withdrawing its armed personnel and removing structures from the “disputed area” of Kezoltsa, the organization on Wednesday has extended the ongoing three-day total bandh to an indefinite bandh from midnight within its jurisdiction.
SAPO had called a 3-day bandh from March 21 to 23 in protest against the attitude of the Manipur government with regard to the issue wherein it had reminded that on November 20 last year, different organizations had also submitted a joint representation to the Manipur Chief Minister, but Manipur government has totally ignored and failed to “honour” and address the same issue.
According to a press statement issued by SAPO president, Kevipodi Sophie, and general secretary, Swelul Pucho, the decision to extend the ongoing total bandh within its jurisdiction to an indefinite bandh was taken due to the failure on the part of Manipur government to look into the issue within the 72 hours time frame.
Earlier, the organization has also warned that it would take “harsher steps” if the Manipur Government does not withdraw the security forces from the “disputed area” within a given schedule.
During the indefinite bandh against Manipur government, SAPO said that para-military forces on duty, ambulance with patients, press/media, Tenyimi Public Organization (TPO) executives and its unit executives, TPO Board of Arbitrators (BoA) on production of valid documents would be exempted from the purview of the proposed indefinite bandh.
SAPO further stated that the indefinite bandh would continue till the demands of the SAPO are met.
Meanwhile, when contacted, SAPO president, Kevipodi Sophie, informed this correspondent that the three-day called bandh was peaceful without any untoward incidents reported as the organization had advised the volunteers to maintain peace and not to create any problems during the bandh.
It was also learnt that travelers stranded at the Phesama police check post were escorted by police till Peren district with assistance from the district administration.
The Nagaland government on March 18 has reportedly written a letter to Manipur government with regard to the issue but seems there was no response.
It may be mentioned that the “disputed area” issue has been pending for the last 30 years.