Southern Angami Public Organisation directs Mao community to leave Angami jurisdiction

KOHIMA — The Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) has asked Mao citizens to leave Angami areas over the long-standing land dispute between the two groups.

“The Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) is compelled to direct the Mao citizens residing within Angami jurisdiction to return to their respective native villages as per customary norm, since the Mao Council had totally failed to vacate and withdraw the Manipur Security Forces which was established at the disputed Kezoltsa, at their behest, with ulterior motive,” read the press release appended by SAPO president Tepul Hopovi and general secretary Swelul Pucho.

“This action is necessitated to de-escalate pent up tensions, prevent untoward incidents and for safety and protection of Mao citizens, living under the Angami jurisdiction,” it added.

On this matter, SAPO general secretary told Eastern Mirror on Wednesday that the Angami Public Organisation (APO) had, on Januray 20, issued an ultimatum to the Mao Council asking it to “take full responsibility to withdraw the Manipur Rifles/Police and all its security apparatus stationed at the disputed area on or before February 20, 2024.”

However, even after the expiry of the ultimatum on Feb. 20, the Mao Council had ‘failed to comply,’ compelling SAPO to issue the press release. The ultimatum had been served and we patiently waited for them. The timeline is already over, and that means they have to understand; they have to leave, he said.

“We are asking them to go to their native place till the matter is solved according to the customary laws,” the general secretary maintained, adding that the problem will be solved once the Mao Council fulfill APO’s demand.

Further, he informed that the APO has assigned the Angami Youth Organisation to bring out the statistics of Maos living within the Angami jurisdiction and the report is expected to come out in a few days.

The Maos residing within Angami jurisdiction would “very much” include Kohima district and Chümoukedima district, it was informed.

For the safety and security, the SAPO is advising them to go to their jurisdiction so that no untoward incident happens, Pucho reiterated.