Senapati, Mar. 6: Tensions are mounting in the Angami jurisdiction as the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) issued a directive to Mao citizens, urging them to vacate the area and return to their native villages. The move comes in the wake of a prolonged dispute over the presence of Manipur security forces at the contested site of Kezoltsa.
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SAPO, in a press release signed by Er. Tepul Hopovi, President, and Swelul Pucho, General Secretary, cited the failure of the Mao council to address the issue of the security forces stationed at Kezoltsa. According to SAPO, this directive aims to ease tensions and ensure the safety of Mao citizens residing within Angami jurisdiction.
The dispute over Kezoltsa involves the Mao Council, Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO), and the Maram tribe. Efforts to resolve the issue through traditional practices, including intervention by the Tenyimi People’s Organization (TPO) and a Board of Arbitrators (BOA), have thus far proven futile.
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Previously, the Angami Public Organization (APO) had issued an ultimatum to the Mao council for the withdrawal of Manipur security forces from Kezoltsa. However, the Mao council’s non-compliance has further aggravated tensions in the region.
APO alleges that the Mao council obstructed efforts to resolve the dispute by deploying security forces and impeding access to the disputed area by TPO and APO delegates. Despite numerous attempts at dialogue, the Mao council’s lack of cooperation has hindered progress.
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In response to the escalating tensions, APO has demanded the withdrawal of Manipur security forces from Kezoltsa by February 20, 2024. Failure to comply could result in further action by the people of SAPO, as outlined in the ultimatum issued by Razouvotuo Chatsu, President of APO.
As the deadline for the withdrawal of security forces approaches, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation in the area, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding dispute.
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