Manipur police have left disputed Kezoltsa area, says TPO

DIMAPUR — Following a visit to the disputed Kezoltsa/ Kozürü/Kazing area on March 16, the Tenyimi Peoples’ Organisation (TPO) on Sunday informed that the Manipur police personnel, both civil and armed, have moved out from their camps.

According to an update, TPO president Timikha Koza and officials of TPO were accompanied by the presidents of Nagaland Zeliang Peoples’ Organisation and Tenyimi Union Dimapur, and general secretary of Rengma Hoho.

“The team found that all the police personnel both civil and armed have left/moved out from their camps. This is for general information,” the update stated.

Earlier on March 15, the Mao Council (MC) had informed the TPO about the relocation of Manipur police station in the disputed area. “We have also visited the site, identified for the relocation and observed that necessary arrangement for the relocation has been going on since the last two days,” it stated in a letter to the TPO president.

It may be recalled that on March 6, the Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) directed Mao citizens residing within Angami jurisdiction to return to their respective native villages, as “the Mao Council had totally failed to vacate and withdraw the Manipur security forces which were established at the disputed Kezoltsa, at their behest, with ulterior motive.”

The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) also added to the pressure by setting March 17 as the deadline for the Mao community to leave Angami areas, in addition to announcing that it would carry out a census of Mao populace living/residing within Angami jurisdiction.

Also read: SAPO clarifies intent behind directive to Mao community