MAO GATE: The government often speaks about development and progress, but when decisions is made, its name begin to raise serious doubts about Manipur’s territorial integrity, public concern is not only justified, it is necessary.
A worrying issue has surfaced over the proposed relocation of a key government establishment – a Manipur Police Check Post at the Manipur’s border. Logically and administratively, this establishment should be located right at the Manipur border- at Elai river which is the official boundary between Manipur and Nagaland. Instead, plans are underway to move it nearly three kilometers, further away from Mao Gate itself closer to Tadubi inspite of the locals willing to part their lands for development of a bigger border checkpoint that can accommodate both ILP travellers, goods and passengers vehicles. This naturally raises a simple but unsettling question: Why is the Manipur government retreating from its own border? And what message does this send about Manipur’s territorial assertion?
Manipur’s borders are not just lines drawn on a map. They carry history, identity, and the responsibility of protecting the state’s territorial integrity. When the government’s physical presence is moved away from these sensitive points, it weakens state’s security and creates uncertainty, both on the ground and in the minds of the people of the state.
What makes this more troubling is the apparent urgency to finalize the decision, without open discussion or meaningful public engagement. Decisions of this nature demand transparency and careful thought at the highest level of the state apparatus, especially in a state that has already endured unrest, displacement, and deep mistrust.
Development should strengthen governance where it matters most. Pulling administrative presence away from the border does the opposite. Instead of reassurance, it creates anxiety and suspicion among the people.
The Manipur government must understand that territorial integrity is not negotiable. Any move that appears to compromise it, will inevitably face public resistance. Before moving forward, the government must pause, listen, and seriously reconsider the long-term consequences of this decision. Manipur’s territorial integrity must not be compromised for a few dollar less. Dziiko, Kozii forests and the highest peak of Manipur Mt. Esii have apparently been handed over to the neighbouring state on a platter. Shifting of Police checkpoints and Police Post from the border will be a historical blunder, adding salt to the wound of Manipur.
