Konyak Union urges Nagaland government to resolve border disputes before oil exploration, seeking landowners' consent and stronger border security
DIMAPUR — The Konyak Union (KU) has urged Nagaland government not to proceed with the proposed Assam-Nagaland oil exploration project until long-pending border disputes are resolved, reasoning that territorial clarity, landowners' consent and stronger border security must precede implementation of the bilateral agreement.
The demand was made during a joint meeting of the KU advisory board council and union executive council, which reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on oil exploration signed by the governments of Nagaland and Assam in New Delhi on June 11 in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In a press release, the union asserted that the government should first resolve disputed areas, particularly the Tizit-Naginimora belt and the boundary between Longwa in Mon district and Pongchao in Arunachal Pradesh's Longding district, before initiating oil exploration to avoid future disputes.
It also urged the government to ensure that the concerns, rights and consent of landowners are taken into consideration before any final decision is made, maintaining that stakeholder participation is essential for a fair, transparent and acceptable outcome.
The KU further backed the recent stand of the Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation (LLRPO), which sought clarity on the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) and other border issues, stating that resolving territorial disputes is crucial to safeguarding Nagaland's territorial integrity.
Expressing concern over unresolved boundary issues in Mon district, the union alleged that Google Maps continues to inaccurately depict parts of Nagaland's borders despite historical evidence defining the ancestral boundary between the Konyaks and the Ahoms of Assam.
It also pointed to alleged overlaps involving ancestral boundaries between Konyak villages in Mon district and Wancho areas in Arunachal Pradesh, saying the discrepancies have created confusion and could potentially trigger confrontation.
The KU recalled that it had submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on September 3, 2024, seeking correction of the boundary discrepancies, but claimed that no response had been received.
The union maintained that timely government intervention would help prevent misunderstandings, reduce public confusion and strengthen public trust while reaffirming its commitment to work with the government towards a peaceful and lasting resolution of the issue.
The KU also renewed its demand for enhanced security infrastructure along the state's international and inter-state borders.
Referring to a representation submitted to the deputy chief minister (Home) on July 12, 2025, the union reiterated its demand for police check gates and supporting infrastructure at Longwa, Chenmoho, Wangti and Monyaksho along the international border, and at Namthai and Hota Hoti on the Assam-Nagaland boundary.
It also sought the construction of the Wakching Police Station and the Laukun Police Outpost to strengthen border management and check cross-border illegal activities.
Appealing to the state government to address the issues with urgency, the KU stated it remained committed to cooperating with the government in safeguarding the interests of border communities and ensuring a peaceful, just and lasting solution.