IMPHAL, October 22: An all political party delegation headed by Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam, today inspected the controversial Indo-Myanmar fencing border in the wake of clamors from various civil bodies in the state.
Without delay the team which include more than two representative each of 15 political parties and 10 legislators of six different parties, visited the border dispute areas of Holenphai village near the main border and other controversial fencing sites including Govajang village and others.
The 10 legislators include four from ruling Congress (Gaikhangam, N Biren, RK Anand, DK Korungthang), two from Manipur State Congress Party (P Brojen and RK Imo), one each from Trinamool Congress (Dr I Ibohalbi), Nationalist Congress Party (L Ibomcha) and Lok Jan Sakti (K Shyam) and Naga People`s Front (Nunglung Victor).
Speaking to media persons, after the inspection, Gaikhangam conceded that there is an urgent need to rectify the current process of border fencing.
He assured that a meeting of the fact finding team of the all political party would be convened and a delegate led by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi will head for Delhi to apprise the central leaders including the Prime Minister, Home Minister and other relevant leaders with regards to the current dispute.
Placing the ball in the court of the Union Government when it comes to border fencing, Gaikhangam contended that the fact finding teams will leave no stone unturned including the alleged erroneous mapping of the Google showing Moreh as a part of Myanmar.
“Google is not the authority to finalise the border of India or Manipur, will table this issue to the central leaders” opined Gaikhangam.
During the team’s visit to Holenpai village border number 23, the epicenter of the dispute, the delegation met with the village chief and assured possible help.
Myanmar army has set up around three bunkers and temporary fencing of logs near Holanphai village.
However, there were no bunkers or any military establishment in sight from the side of Indian army except for guarding the area during day time.
It may be noted that the recent all political parties meeting at the State Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh’s Secretariat had resolved to appoint Congress MLA RK Anand as Convenor of the delegation.
Manipur is currently facing a border dispute along the Manipur sector of the Indo-Myanmar international boundary.