The Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO), Nagaland on Wednesday directed the Mao citizens residing within Angami jurisdiction to return to their respective native villages “as per customary norms.”

A release issued by SAPO president Tepul Hopovi and general secretary Swelul Pucho lamented over the alleged failure of the Mao Council to vacate and withdraw the Manipur Security Forces deployed at the disputed Kezoltsa.

This action is necessitated to de-escalate pent up tensions, prevent untoward incidents and for safety and protection of Mao Citizens living under the Angami jurisdiction, it stated.