Kohima: Amid the tension surrounding the traditional land dispute along the Nagaland-Manipur border, the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO), apex youth body of the Angami Naga tribe, on Friday announced its plan to survey the Mao residents living in the Angami jurisdiction.
This move comes days after the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) urged Mao Nagas to leave the Angami jurisdiction in response to the failure of the Mao Council to vacate and withdraw the Manipur Security Forces from the disputed Kezoltsa area along the Dzukou valley stretch of the inter-state border.
The AYO, through a statement, said that in response to the failure of the Mao Council to comply with the ultimatum issued by the Angami Public Organisation (APO) regarding the complete withdrawal of Manipur State Rifles/Police and its security establishments from the disputed site at Kezoltsa, it has stepped forward in support of the APO’s stance.
“The Kezoltsa issue has been a longstanding point of contention, with various parties seeking an amicable resolution that would be acceptable to all involved. However, the presence of Manipur armed forces within the disputed site, under the protection of the Mao Council, has been a significant obstacle to progress,” AYO said.
Signed by AYO president Kesosul Christopher and general secretary Neidilhoutuo Sechu, the Angami youth body informed that the inaction and negative response from both the Manipur government and the Mao Council, compelled the body to intervene.
Due to the Manipur government’s failure to comply with the demand to withdraw its armed forces from the disputed site, the AYO, along with its four ranges, decided to conduct an extensive census of the Mao populace living or residing within Angami jurisdiction.
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“In the event of the Manipur government’s continued refusal to withdraw its armed forces from the disputed site, the AYO has directed Mao citizens to vacate the area within Angami jurisdiction by the 17th of March, 2024,” the youth body warned.
Meanwhile, as per sources, a crucial meeting was held between the Manipur CM and the concerned community representatives in the neighboring state where it was decided that the police forces would be relocate to an undisputed area within two days.
Also Read | Nagaland: Southern Angamis tells Mao citizens to return to native villages