UCM demands resolution of Manipur-Nagaland border dispute

Imphal, Oct 4 (UNI) United Committee Manipur(UCM) president K Langamba has urged the state government to resolve the border dispute with Nagaland.

The problem needed to be addressed and the government should check the continuing influx of outsiders to the state, he said.

All other north eastern states were also facing influx problem.

They have taken up various policy programmes, including legislation of Acts and Rules, to control the issue of influx, he maintained.

Mr Langamba said the border tussle had been a longstanding issue in the state. The elementary cause of this was lack of commitment on the part of the government to preserve and protect territorial integrity of Manipur.

''It is a pity that the villagers who are inhabiting the borders are making isolated efforts unsupported by the Manipur government against the well-protected and well-equipped Nagaland villagers,'' he said.

In the event of a clash it had always been reported that the Nagaland Police had come to protect and support Naga villagers whereas the Manipur government failed even to notice the incidents, he alleged.

The committee president said the recent plea of the villagers of Senapati and Ukhrul districts regarding the forceful encroachment of Manipur territory by the Nagaland villagers might be taken seriously.

He claimed that a long range consisting of Laini and Risari rivers had already become parts of Nagaland. Recently, 18 Paomei Naga leaders were arrested by the Nagaland Police and kept in jail for objecting the forceful occupation of Manipur territory.

The matter was also discussed in the Assembly yesterday with the Opposition MLAs raising concern at the presence of Naga villagers in the Manipur-Nagaland border areas.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, however, said no official complaint had been registered on the matter.

UNI NS PL SW AS1301