EMN
Dimapur, May 7
Reacting to media report on Yajang village jhum cultivation at Akhochisa Pok where Assam police have allegedly carried out eviction drive, Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel, IAS clarified that some of the ‘Kheti’ huts were removed in goodwill gesture in order to bring peaceful ambience in the area.
He termed the new agency report ‘Eviction by Assam’ appeared in various print media as baseless and misleading.
Patel in a statement clarified that Yajang villagers have been cultivating the ‘Akhochisa Pok’ (Which is claimed as Tiru Hill Forest Reserve by Assam) since centuries- last cultivated in 1971, 1995.
Stating that the allegation used by news media as “Encroachers” is baseless since Yajang villagers are the land owners of ‘Akochisa Pok.’ It is evident that few tea gardens located in ‘Akochisa Pok’ run by people from Rangkham village have been regularly paying yearly land tax to Yajang village. Documents showing payment of yearly land tax are available with the Government, DC said.
On the quote as involvement of ‘Naga Insurgent’” in agency report, Deputy Commissioner nullified the claim. Minimum security forces are being currently kept across the border by both administration of Mokokchung and Jorhat just to control any untoward border related situation and to safeguard the lives and properties of the people.
Deputy Commissioner further appealed to all media fraternity to exercise restraint while carrying out news relating to border and requested all stakeholders to verify the truth before publishing in order to maintain peace and tranquility along the border as the matter is subjudice in the Supreme Court.
Our Correspondent adds: Regarding Yajang village situation, Deputy Commissioner held a meeting with the Ao Senden on Thursday.
During the meeting the DC apprised the Ao Senden about present situation prevailing at Yajang village.
While speaking to our correspondent, Patel informed that ADC, SDO (C) and SDPO of Mongkolemba and Border Magistrate of Tzürangkong had been camping and monitoring the situation at Yajang village for past 11 days.
When contacted over phone, Yajang Village Council member Imtionen informed that villagers are cultivating their fields under watchful eyes of security personnel from both the states. He also said that though there was silly misunderstand between the villagers and Assam side security forces on May 5 it was resolved after the intervention of officials from both the sides.
Reliable sources informed that more than 500 security personnel are deployed by Assam in inter-state border area. Those security forces deployed by Assam included black cats commandos, Assam police, CRPF and Mizoram IRB deputed in Assam. Whereas, in Nagaland side, a company of IRB is deployed to control any untoward situation.
Meanwhile, District Planning and Development Board meeting held in ADC Planning Conference Hall today said security measures in Mokokchung district especially in Mokokchung town will be tightened as preventive measures to provide safety and security to the people as well as to put on hold any situation inimical to the whole district.
Sharing his concern for the safety and security of the people and any possible subversive activities in the district, Lt. Col. Vejoy R, 31 AR said security personnel will conduct checking and frisking in all security concern areas in the district. He said measures are in the interest of public and there is nothing to be panic. He also informed the people not to wear camouflaged dress. DC and DPDB Vice Chairman, Patel stressed on the need to sensitize all villages in the district to create awareness about the security measures.
