Northeast Desk, 7th March: The Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) has issued a directive to Mao tribe residents residing within Angami jurisdiction to return to their native villages in Manipur. SAPO President Er. Tepul Hopovi and General Secretary Swelul Pucho announced this decision, citing the Mao Council’s failure to withdraw Manipur’s security forces from the disputed Kezoltsa area.
This directive, aimed at de-escalating tensions and ensuring citizen safety, follows an ultimatum issued by the Angami Public Organisation (APO) to the Mao Council earlier this year. Despite the ultimatum, the APO’s demands remained unmet, leading to SAPO’s latest action.
Expressing concern over the situation, Manipur’s Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh has reached out to his Nagaland counterpart, urging for adequate security measures to protect the Mao community residing in both Manipur and Nagaland. Rajiv Singh highlighted that recent developments have caused panic among Mao community members, necessitating swift action from law enforcement authorities.
The dispute over Manipur’s security forces’ presence in the disputed area has intensified, with both sides standing firm on their respective positions, heightening tensions in the region.