Kohima, 25 January (MTNews): The Angami Public Organization (APO) has issued an ultimatum to the President of the Mao Council in Tadubi, Manipur, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Manipur State Rifles/Police outpost and all other security apparatuses stationed at the disputed site of Kezoltsa/Kozirii/Kozin. The ultimatum serves as a stern warning to the Mao Council to address the longstanding boundary disputes among the Mao Council, Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO), and the Maram tribe.
The boundary issue, despite a judgment issued by the Board of Arbitrators (BOA) set up by the Tenyimi People’s Organization (TPO), has remained unresolved. The APO expressed dissatisfaction over the rejection of the BOA’s judgment by both the Mao Council and SAPO. In an effort to find an amicable resolution, the APO said they approached “all three parties and obtained their consent through several enduring rounds of talks in order to resolve the decades old chronic boundary disputes in the most amicable way acceptable and honourable to all, because the APO clearly visualized the horrible and irreparable consequences unless contained on time.”
However, the APO, in its statement, highlighted several impediments deliberately caused by the Mao Council in prolonging the resolution process. These include the establishment of Manipur State Rifles/Police outpost and the promulgation of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.PC) by the Mao Council, hindering the TPO and APO delegates from accessing the disputed area. Additionally, the Mao Council was accused of violating the status quo issued by TPO, continuing developmental activities, and displaying a lack of seriousness during talks.
“The Mao Council had failed to fulfil their duties and responsibilities as assigned to them by TPO and also by APO despite their positive responses,” it added.
On the other hand, the APO claimed that they have “exercised the best of its wisdom and influence to the people of SAPO to refrain from taking any extreme measures against the Mao people as they being our own Tenyimi brethren.”
“However, the Mao people seem to be taking the advantage of this goodwill and spirit of brotherhood shown to them. Having waited and wasted many a precious time and energy, we are now unable to further pacify the people of SAPO,” added APO.
Thus, the APO convened an emergency executive meeting on January 19, 2024 at the APO conference hall where they unanimously resolved to issue an ultimatum to the Mao Council, demanding the complete withdrawal of Manipur Rifles/Police and all its security apparatus from the disputed area by February 20, 2024 to enable the TPO and APO leaders to go and oversee the complete range of dispute and scope of pronouncing an agreeable and honourable solution thereof.
“On the other hand, do take note that in the event of failure to comply with, the APO shall fully support any action taken by the people of the Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO),” it added.