Jacob Zhimomi raises concern over mapping issues affecting development and central schemes in Nagaland–Assam border areas.
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KOHIMA — Minister for PHED and Cooperation Jacob Zhimomi on Thursday raised concerns over geographical mapping and development activities in border areas, urging the state government to take up the matter with central authorities.
Speaking during Question Hour on the last day of the first phase of the eighth session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima, Zhimomi said that issues related to geographical jurisdiction have affected the implementation of central flagship programmes in some areas along the Nagaland–Assam border.
He highlighted that departments implementing schemes such as the Central Road Fund (CRF) often face difficulties during planning and bidding processes because certain areas are depicted as belonging to another state.
Zhimomi suggested that the state government write to the Ministry of Home Affairs so that central schemes meant for the state are not hindered in areas described as neutral zones.
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He also proposed that the issue be taken up with the Survey of India to review and correct the geographical mapping of Nagaland.
The minister said that certain areas were termed the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) following a case filed in the late 1970s, though the matter remains sub judice before the Supreme Court of India.
“For Nagaland, these areas are not disputed. Our people have occupied these places for many decades, even since the British period, with permits granted by the respective governments,” he said.
Zhimomi added that according to data from the Geological Survey of India, parts of Dimapur district appear to fall under Assam, creating confusion.
“If you go by that data, five of us elected from Dimapur district may have to attend the Assembly in Dispur and not in Nagaland,” he remarked.
He stressed that the issue was particularly concerning in border areas of Dimapur district, where development activities related to water supply, roads and healthcare often face complications due to jurisdictional depiction.
The minister also referred to discussions held in 2016 at Kaziranga in Assam, chaired by the chief secretary and attended by officials and elected representatives from both states, where it was agreed that essential services such as roads, medical facilities, schools and places of worship should not be disturbed in the affected areas.
Citing a recent example, Zhimomi said that a proposal to set up a petrol pump in a border area under Nagaland was reportedly opposed by security forces.
“At the same time, there are several petrol pumps and police outposts already operating in that belt,” he said, adding that such arrangements raise questions about the existing ground situation.
He further suggested that the arrangements made between 1972 and 1979 concerning these areas should be revisited in the interest of the state’s integrity and stability.