SAPO clarifies intent behind directive to Mao community

KOHIMA — The Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) on Thursday maintained that its directive asking the Mao community to leave Angami areas, ‘only aligns with traditional practices of caution during disputes and does not contain any threats.’

This assertion was made in reaction to a letter, purportedly written by the Manipur Director General of Police (DGP), to his counterpart in Nagaland on March 6, seeking “adequate security to the people of Mao community residing in Nagaland.”

Contending that the Manipur DGP’s letter has ‘malifide intent’ to incite fear and communal disharmony between the two communities, sources from SAPO maintained that the directive was issued with the aim to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety and protection of Mao citizens under Angami jurisdiction.

Further, SAPO sources criticised the Manipur DGP’s letter, particularly his reference to Dzükou valley, and said that the actual disputed area, Kezoltsa, is located kilometres away.

Meanwhile, attempts to contact the Mao Council remained unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Also read: Southern Angami Public Organisation directs Mao community to leave Angami jurisdiction