TPO commits to protecting disputed area in letter to Manipur CM

KOHIMA — The Tenyimi Peoples’ Organisation (TPO) has assured the chief minister of Manipur that no one will be allowed to carry out any developmental work or destroy the forest in the disputed Kezoltsa/ Koziirii/ Kazing area, if the Manipur armed forces are removed from the area.

In a ‘Letter of assurance’ to the chief minister of Manipur, dated March 9, which was made available to Eastern Mirror, the TPO president Timikha Koza and general secretary Kathu Rengma assured that it would not allow any activities in the disputed site, as requested by the chief minister.

“In the event of removal of Manipur Armed Forces from the disputed area (Kezoltsa/ Koziirii/ Kazing) we assure you that no one shall be allowed to: Do any developmental work, destroy the forest-flora and fauna, collect forest produce, do hunting or fishing, and construct road to the above forest and the existing road  also shall be cut-off,” the letter read.

The TPO also enclosed a copy of the undertaking signed on November 28, 2017 by the contending parties.

As reported earlier by this newspaper, the Mao Council had met Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on March 8 over the disputed Kezoltsa/Koziirii/Kazing and requested him relocate the armed personnel from the disputed area.

Outer Manipur Lok Sabha MP, Dr. Lorho S Pfoze, who also attended the meeting with the Manipur chief minister, informed this newspaper that Singh agreed to the request and the Manipur government would positively act.

The MP informed that Singh had agreed to the request, pending assurance from the TPO together and Senapati-based Naga People’s Organisation that there will be no damages to the land and forest or government property at the disputed area.

The chief minister also reportedly told that the Manipur government would wait for the TPO’s assurance and take action accordingly.

Pfoze also said that the Manipur government had assured to act positively, for the sake of maintaining peace and also goodwill among the people.

The Moa MLAs along with the NPO were reportedly tasked to expedite the survey for relocation of the outpost.

Earlier on March 6, the Southern Angami Public Organisation had asked the Mao citizens to move out of “Angami jurisdiction” over the Mao Council’s alleged failure to comply with the Angami Public Organisation’s ultimatum–withdrawal of Manipur armed forces from the said disputed site. This was followed by the Angami Youth Organisation directing the Mao citizens “to evict” from its jurisdiction on or before March 17, 2024.