MAPO dismisses historical, territorial claims

DIMAPUR: Mëkheotjüv Area People’s Organization (MAPO), a public-mandated community-based organisation of the Makury Naga tribe, has rejected claims made by the Khiamniungan Region of NNC/FGN and NSCN-K (Ang Mai), describing them as historically unfounded and baseless.
In a clarification, MAPO stated that the Makury Nagas of Mëkheotjüv shared territorial boundaries with the Khiamniungan Nagas and several other Naga tribes, adding that every Naga community possessed its own distinct history and identity, which should not diminish or invalidate that of another.
MAPO said Naga communities living along the Indo-Myanmar border had endured hardship, neglect, underdevelopment and the impact of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), but had remained steadfast in supporting the Naga political movement.
It also objected to the use of terms such as “Western Nagaland” and “Eastern Nagaland” by Naga national workers, saying such references were inappropriate when Nagas were striving for unity.
MAPO further stated that the people of Mëkheotjüv had no knowledge of the so-called “Tingniu Sub-Region” referred to in a clarification issued by the Khiamniungan Region of NNC/FGN on June 1, 2026. It also rejected statements made by NSCN-K (AM) leaders regarding the settlement history of Mëkheotjüv, asserting that the village had been founded by its forefathers since time immemorial and that no individual or external entity had the right to interpret or redefine its history without the consent of its people. While appreciating the top leadership of NSCN-K (AM) for withdrawing its proposed unit camp from the area following public concerns, MAPO reiterated that establishing camps in the sensitive Indo-Myanmar border region could disrupt civilian life and create unnecessary tensions between neighbouring Naga communities.
The organisation said it welcomed and supported any Naga national group that genuinely upheld Naga unity and aspirations within its jurisdiction, but opposed the establishment of camps in the area in the interest of civilian safety and security.