Imphal: Six civil societies of Manipur led by All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) have found to their dismay that Myanmar army has started encroaching and carrying construction sites inside Manipur’s territory.
Myanmar army personnel have started patrolling inside Manipur’s territory specially at Holenphai of Manipur.
Meanwhile representatives of various political parties led by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam on Tuesday left Imphal for Moreh to inspect the incursion by Myanmar.
Ahead of the visit of the political parties fifty representatives of the six organisations including villagers of the affected village went to the border areas on Monday. Myanmar army on duty stopped them from coming near the fence which is Manipur’s land.
Lalkholun Haokip, Chief of Holenphai, said Myanmar army has asked the Indian citizens to leave the village and also threatened to arrest them if they do not leave the village.
Assam Rifles had started fencing the international border area but it was done in a straight line ignoring the natural boundary and if the fencing is done in a straight line about 500 sq km of Manipur’s land will be taken over by Myanmar.
The fencing work done at the border has divided Manipur villages in half forcing rest of the villagers to become Myanmar citizens.
As the Assam Rifles personnel responsible for protecting the border have failed to protect the boundary AMUCO said Manipur Police personnel should be deputed to protect the boundary.
As the government of India has failed to take action inspite of repeated plea AMUCO has decided to go to the International Law Court to seek justice. If there is no response then the civil organisations will fight for protection of the boundary, it was added.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said if necessary a delegation of political parties will go to New Delhi to apprise the centre about the development. He assured that boundary will be protected at all cost.
Political parties have jointly condemned the encroachment by Myanmar and appealed to safeguard the boundary.
In 1953 after the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Manipur in 1953 the whole Kabaw valley of Manipur was given away to Burma.
Many Manipur villages have been given away to Myanmar since then it was alleged. (UNI)