Banning Mao people to Nagaland, a sensitive issue: Manipur CM Biren Singh

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh told the Manipur Assembly on Wednesday that his government will not succumb to any pressure mounted on issues regarding boundary of the state.
The issue of banning entry of Mao people of Manipur to Nagaland by Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) is a very sensitive issue and his government is trying to solve it with commitment, Singh told the house.
Earlier, opposition Congress member K Ranjit Singh drew the attention of the chief minister, who is also the leader of the house, regarding the reported ban on entry of Mao people to Nagaland.
Stating that the issue was a very sensitive one, Singh said the dispute in the Kozuru area near Dzuko Valley was an important issue and the state government has been trying to solve it without disturbing relationships with the neighbouring state of Nagaland.
He asserted that an order was issued on December 13, 2020 and thereafter a security barrack at Kozuru has been constructed with the deployment of state forces.
The chief minister and the deputy chief minister of Nagaland have been informed about the banning of Mao villagers entering Nagaland by SAPO. “They assured us to take all steps to stop such activities,” he said.
The Union ministry of home affairs has also been informed and MHA has assured to provide full proof security to the people, he added.
Terming the incidents of burning vehicles and beating people of Manipur in Nagaland as unfortunate, the chief minister said that the government was closely monitoring the situation round the clock and all out efforts will be put in place to avoid any untoward incidents.
Mao to Dimapur bus service via Peren district of Nagaland has been introduced for facilitating people travelling to Nagaland, he informed the house.
Mao market has also been opened in different locations of Imphal city so as to enable people of Mao area to sell their products, he said, adding that people of Mao area and especially Mao MLA L Dikho has been supporting the steps taken up by the government.