Nagaland- Manipur border tension: Ministerial team visits Khezhakeno

A ministerial team led by Planning & Coordination minister Neiba Kronu and comprising horticulture and border affairs adviser Mhathung Yanthan, commissioner M Patton, AIG R Kikon, Phek district and police officials visited Khezhakeno village on Tuesday to take stock of the situation following a clash between Khezhakeno and Tungjoy villagers on November 29.

It may be recalled villagers of Tungjoy had reportedly burnt down arrangements made by Khezhakeno villagers to observe “People Festival” from December 1 late on November 29 night.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, Kronu said as per the relevant document available and upon verification of the site that the villagers planned to use for festival belonged solely to Nagaland and there was no dispute.

He said the team would submit its report to the State government as the matter had to be taken up at the highest political level.

During the British time itself, the minister said a pillar was erected, adding it was not a disputed area. He said it was unfortunate that the festival had been disturbed.

He said he had instructed Phek deputy commissioner to submit report to commissioner without delay as the matter was of grave concern.

Yanthan joined the minister in claiming that there was enough documentary evidence favouring Khezhakeno village, pointing out the documents signed between chief secretaries of Manipur and Nagaland had clearly stated that it was a settled case. So, it was unfortunate that the incident took place that way, he added.

He said the issue had to be settled amicably and the villagers had to live peacefully as good neighbours. 

Meanwhile, according to Chakhesang Youth Front general secretary, this was the second such incident of villagers from neighbouring Manipur creating causing problem. A ministerial team from Manipur had also visited Tungjoy village on December 1.

CYF alleges trespassing, arson: Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has strongly condemned what it called the “utterly despicable, devious and cowardly acts” of miscreants allegedly belonging to Tungjoy village under Senapati district, Manipur.

In a press release, CYF president Lhuvesayi Lohe and general secretary, Medovelo Sono alleged that the miscreants “out of sheer jealousy, envy and animosity” in the wee hours of November 28, 2019 trespassed into Khezhakeno village under Phek district and torched 10 thatched houses meant for tourists at Chida valley jurisdiction.

CYF said they have viewed with “utmost seriousness” this provocative attack of burning houses within the ancestral territorial jurisdiction of a bona fide village member of Chakhesang community. CYF said the act of miscreants was tantamount to direct challenge to the life and property of the Chakhesang community.

Asserting that they do know how to defend themselves, CYF said their patience and civility should not taken for granted and interpreted as been weak.

CYF has, therefore, urged the Tungjoy village to hand over the perpetrators. It also warned that any future provocations and misadventures on their part would be “met with full force and befitting reply will be made”, adding that the consequences would “totally befall” on Tungjoy village Manipur.