Border tension has subsided: M Thorii

IMPHAL, January 27: The tension on the Manipur-Nagaland border on account of some land dispute has subsided, according to Mao MLA M Thori. Speaking to IFP, Thorii also refuted the reports that residents of some villages had fled their homes because of a threat from across the border. He also asserted that any such threats would have no effect, adding that Manipur's territory will be defended by Manipuris. Thorii recalled that after villagers from the Manipur side of the border dismantled the rest house built in the Dzuko area by the Japhii Angami Public Organization, Nagaland residents obstructed construction of the approach road to the Dzuko valley by the Manipur Government. The JAPO also imposed an economic blockade from December 18 to 20. However, the tension over the matter subsided after an understanding was reached during a meeting between the state government authorities of Manipur and Nagaland, along with the concerned village authorities. It may be recalled that the construction of the 0-14 km section of the Dzuko approach road has been completed, but work on the 14-20 km section has been stalled. According to Thorii, as per an understanding between the two sides, it was agreed that until a final settlement is reached regarding the approach road, work on the road, as well as on the JAPO's rest house would be halted. He stated that after the rest house was constructed by force, with the help of the Nagaland police, the villagers from Manipur side dismantled it. In the meantime, the Mao Union, Imphal has issued a clarification denying that some Mao villagers fled their villages, as reported in a section of press.