Kezoltsa dispute: Nagaland Dy CM Patton urges parties to maintain status quo

DIMAPUR — Stating that efforts are underway to obtain official confirmation of the withdrawal of Manipur security forces from the disputed Kezoltsa forest area, Deputy Chief Minister (Home), Y Patton has urged the communities involved to maintain the status quo.

In a statement on Thursday, Patton noted that there have been recent positive developments relating to the disputed area on account of the Government of Manipur rescinding the prohibitory order under Cr PC 144, and withdrawing the Manipur police personnel from the disputed area with the concerted efforts of the civil society organisations as per the spot visit report of the Tenyimi People’s Organisation (TPO) on March 16.

“The government of Nagaland is earnestly taking up the matter with the government of Manipur and also making efforts for getting official confirmation of the withdrawal of the Manipur security forces from the disputed areas,” the statement read.

Urging all parties and stakeholders involved to maintain the status quo, he requested that they refrain from engaging in any activities that may be detrimental to creating an environment that is conducive to facilitating an amicable resolution of the long-pending issue through customary and traditional approaches.

Also read: Kezoltsai dispute: Forum for Naga Reconciliation calls for rational, reflective decision-making