Imphal, October 09 2009: The chief Secretary of Government of Nagaland, Lalthara has informed the Chief Secretary of Manipur, DS Poonia that the barracks on Manipur's territory will be handed back to the BSF once they return.

In a reply sent to the Chief Secretary of Manipur, DS Poonia on October 8, Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Lalthara said, "The BSF unit stationed at Akash bridge on the Manipur side of the river bank of Tizu river were suddenly pulled out for deployment in Tripura during the last Lok Sabha election.

With clear understanding with the BSF personnel, the NAP had occupied the BSF barracks just for the purpose of protecting and maintaining the barracks till the BSF return after their temporary deployment outside the state, and also to guard the bridge.

This is a temporary arrangement and the barracks will be handed back to the BSF as soon as they come back to the location.

Since the accepted boundary is the Tizu river at this location, there is no question of the Nagaland government trying to encroach the territory of Manipur".

The letter further said, "However, irrespective of the accepted inter-state boundary at this location, it may be noted that the traditional land ownership and landholding system amongst the Naga tribes does not necessarily coincide with the official inter-state boundary.

Hence, it is noted that some members of the Chakhesang and Pochury tribes are continuing the cultivation of their ancestral land-holdings across the river for the last many decades undisturbed".

Earlier, Chief Secretary of Manipur, DS Poonia had written a letter on October 7 to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland on the report of encroachment by NAP on Manipur's territory.

The text of the letter follows: "Our attention has been drawn to media reports stating that the Nagaland Armed Police has occupied barracks/buildings at Jessami, Ukhrul district, Manipur.

These were constructed for and occupied by the BSF till recently.

The buildings are well within the territory of Manipur State.

2.As you are aware, inter-state border issues are extremely sensitive.

As such, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Manipur has desired that the matter be taken-up on topmost priority with the Govt of Nagaland.

.3We shall be grateful if the Govt of Nagaland can verify the factual ground position.

I suggest that the Dy Commissioner and SP, Phek visit the site jointly with the Dy Commissioner and SP, Ukhrul at the earliest on a mutually convenient date.

4.May I request for an urgent response from the Govt of Nagaland".