IMPHAL, May 28: Border dispute in the north east states is not a new issue as this has been prevailing since the independence of the country from the hands of British colonial rule. Despite the passage of more than 60 years, the Central Government has not come up with an amicable settlement to the border issues, ex-Minister and president of Manipur People`™s Party (MPP) has stated.
He was addressing media persons at his residence at Singjamei Kakwa, Imphal West today.
O Joy observed that there have been instances of conflict arising out of the border issues in the north east states claiming lives of people and injuring many others.
The encroachment of land at Dzuko, Jessami and Tolloi is yet to be settled. The border dispute has brought sore relationship with the neighbouring state of Nagaland, he said.
Pointing out that some political parties have been gaining political mileage out of the border disputes rather than solving it, the ex-Minister said that Union Ministers who preferred to visit the state for election campaign should take note of the issues as well.
He mentioned that the state government should exert pressure on the Central Government regarding the border issue considering the sentiments of the people.
The border issue needs to be discussed in the Cabinet meeting as the territorial integrity of the state cannot be put at stake at any cost, O Joy said.