Members of the Southern Angami Youth Organisation address the media at Kimipfuphe ground, Kigwema on March 25. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 25
The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) today maintained that the decision to call off the indefinite bandh lies neither with Nagaland Government, Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) nor SAYO or any other organisations, but in the hands of the Manipur Government itself.
Accordingly, during an interaction with media persons today at Kimipfuphe ground, Kigwema, SAYO President Metekhrielie Mejura questioned why the Manipur Government was hesitant to take a simple step of removing its forces from “illegally occupied” Kezoltsa.
"Despite all humble and polite approach to withdraw armed personnel and to stop any developmental activities, they never paid heed in any manner. This is the reason why we have bought the issue to the streets and by triggering indefinite bandh," he further said.
He added that if the Manipur Government withdraws the armed personnel, SAPO was ready to lift the bandh anytime and that it was up to the former to act in wisdom.
Meanwhile, citing instance of incident in January this year in Kezoltsa, the SAYO President alleged that the armed personnel had asked visitors to return back stating that it was a disputed area.
The reason is baseless, rather it is an encroached land which was inherited by our forefathers since time immemorial, he maintained.
The political boundary was just an imaginary line demarcated without the consent of the land owners, he added.
Stating that Nagas are known for its unique traditional rights and cultural values, Mejura also reminded that the matter was with the Tenyimi Public Organization (TPO) and should not have state government intervention.
The Southern Angamis will abide and uphold the traditional decision making body, he added.
Regarding the stand of the SAYO, Mejura stated it would “sternly pursue with the demands the SAPO.”
