A seminar organized by the United Committee Manipur (UCM) in Imphal on Sunday resolved to launch a sustained agitation to safeguard the territory of Manipur which will be lost once the border fence is erected along Manipur-Myanmar border.
District and Sessions Court judge (Retd) C. Upendra said it will be illegal to cede Manipur's territory without an approval from the Parliament. He was not happy that the erection of the border fence is being undertaken under the supervision of Assam Rifles personnel.
“When the controversy of encroaching upon Manipur's territory came up, the personnel should have informed the Central and State government,” he said.
The resolution also demanded the suspension of erection works till an agreement is reached. Members agreed that international law and convention should be applied while erecting the border fence.
Government officials have been saying that what is being erected is a security wall and not a border fence. Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei has promised an inquiry into this issue. The Manipur government has set up a high powered committee to look into the issue. Mr. Gangmei said that once a report is received from the committee, Ministers will make an assessment by visiting the disputed areas.
Over 15 tribal villages of Manipur will be affected if the border fence is erected at the present location.
