DIMAPUR, APRIL 3 (MExN): The Mimi Circle Joint Council (MCJC) has alleged that ongoing road construction activities by Laruri and Suisu villages in a disputed area have violated multiple restraining orders issued by government authorities and contributed to a recent escalation involving armed individuals.
In a statement, the MCJC said that the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in Pungro had issued restraining orders on July 28, 2020 and May 10, 2023, while the ADC office in Meluri issued a similar order on May 12, 2023. These government directives, according to the Council, "prohibit any activity in the dispute area."
Despite the restrictions, MCJC said that "the Laruri-Suisu Village had been constructing road in the dispute area since 2022 in total violation of the government order." The Council further alleged that "they continually collect timbers, firewood and other resources," and that residents from the villages "used to burn forest and agricultural field on daily basis and the latest being on March 20 and 25."
MCJC stated that it has made “genuine attempts to peacefully intervene and discourage such unlawful actions,” but said that “our appeals have been ignored, further escalating the region.”
According to the statement, the situation worsened due to "the presence of armed individuals, creating unnecessary tension and contributing to the unfortunate incident on March 28."
The Council said it had repeatedly reminded the district administration of violations of earlier orders, stating, “Circle Joint Council had on several occasions requested the district administration reminding repeated violations of the restraining orders.”
MCJC called the road construction “illegal when there is restraining order in force,” and stated that “when they have unilaterally and repeatedly violated restraining order, we have every right to intervene and respond befittingly as deemed fit.”
The statement also referred to the events of March 28, when workers were reportedly confronted. “On March 28 we have requested the workers to leave the disputed area and stop the work. However, the adamant attitude of some armed individual workers went beyond comprehension. Had they been responsive and cordial in their dealings this unfortunate incident might not had happened.”
Responding to claims about the presence of advanced firearms, the Council said, “No sophisticated weapons were used as alleged in the print media.”
It also contested the involvement of other groups in the dispute, saying, “We are not aware that Phokhungri Area Public Organimtion is a stakeholder in our land dispute.”
