Nagaland and Assam governments agree to refrain from unilateral activities in disputed areas, stress dialogue and cooperation on border issue.
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DIMAPUR — The governments of Nagaland and Assam have agreed not to undertake activities such as plantations or erection of fences in the recently evicted areas falling under the Disturbed Area Belt (DAB).
It was mutually decided that no state should unilaterally carry out such measures without the consent of the other, but instead execute them jointly if the need arises.
The decision was taken during a ministerial-level coordination meeting held at Rengma Reserved Forest on Saturday, where both sides also deliberated on the long-pending border land dispute that is currently sub judice in the Supreme Court (SC). While some speakers suggested resolving the issue outside court, others were of the opinion that the states should await the apex court’s verdict.
Also read: Wokha DC meets villagers, reviews situation after DAB eviction drive
The Nagaland delegation was led by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, while the Assam side was headed by Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Chandra Mohan Patowary.
Speaking at the meeting, Patton extended support to the eviction drives against illegal immigrants initiated by the Assam government, asserting that the problem was not with any community but specifically with “illegal immigrants.” He blamed previous Congress governments in Assam for harbouring such settlers for electoral gains.
He urged Assam’s Forest department and officials concerned not to undertake plantations or fencing activities in the evicted areas until the SC delivers its verdict on the border dispute. Patton also appealed to local settlers to remain vigilant against fresh intrusions and report any suspected cases to the authorities.
At the same time, the deputy chief minister reminded central forces deployed in the border areas to be mindful of their responsibilities and to maintain neutrality in their dealings with the people. Stressing on the centuries-old ties between the Nagas and the Ahoms, he called for maintaining and strengthening the cordial relationship. He further suggested that such inter-state meetings be held at regular intervals.
Assam minister Patowary described the eviction drives against illegal immigrants as beneficial not only for the two states but also for the nation as a whole.
He maintained that illegal immigrants must be completely banished before they gain control over the land, claiming that many of those evicted already had homes in other districts of Lower Assam. He termed their settlement attempts as a deliberate “ploy” to dominate the region.
On the disputed land issue, Patowary emphasised that “nothing is impossible” when both sides come together to negotiate. He expressed confidence that an amicable solution could be achieved if the chief ministers of both states, along with senior officials, sit across the table.
Maintaining goodwill, peace, and harmony between the two communities, he said, was a matter of greater importance than the dispute itself. He also assured that he would brief Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the concerns raised during the meeting.
Nagaland legislators Achumbemo Kikon and Y Mhonbemo also spoke at the meeting, highlighting the historic relations between the Nagas and the Ahoms until the influx of illegal immigrants disrupted the balance and posed challenges to both communities.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Nagaland’s Home Commissioner, Additional Director General of Police, Deputy Commissioners of Wokha and Niuland, border magistrates, and top CRPF officials, along with their counterparts from Assam.
Later in the day, Patton also addressed public meetings at Tchujanphen village under Wokha district and Hukhai village under Aghunaqa block in Niuland district.