Nagaland–Assam border row over Merapani seed farm escalated to DC-level talks

WOKHA — A law and order situation arising from disruption of renovation work at the Nagaland Seed Farm in Merapani has been escalated to a Deputy Commissioner-level meeting after border magistrates of Nagaland and Assam held discussions on Tuesday.

A meeting was held at the ‘D’ Sector DAB Headquarters in Merapani following obstruction of renovation work at a grain store located within the seed farm. The work had begun on February 14.

According to officials present, individuals from Assam reportedly obstructed the construction, threatened labourers and forced a halt to the work.

Security forces, in coordination with the Sector Commander of 142 BN CRPF, intervened to stabilise the situation.

Related: Border tension resurfaces as protests hit Nagaland State Seed Farm at Merapani

During the deliberations, Nagaland Border Magistrate Arhomo Yanthan stated that the seed farm, established in 1969 by the Nagaland government under the Agriculture Department, is government property and cautioned that interference from Assam residents could escalate into a law and order issue.

H Lawrence, Deputy Director of the Seed Farm, also maintained that halting or postponing the renovation was not an option as no directive had been issued to stop the work.

Officials from both states, including border magistrates, CRPF representatives, police officers and the Deputy Director of the Seed Farm, attended the meeting. It was resolved that the matter would be taken up at a Deputy Commissioner-level meeting for further resolution.

The resolution document was signed by Arhomo Yanthan, Border Magistrate, Merapani, Nagaland; Rahul Roy, Border Magistrate, Sector ‘D’ Merapani, Assam; and Devender Singh, Assistant Commandant and Sector Commander, ‘D’ Sector DAB.

Authorities stated that efforts would continue to maintain peace while ensuring agricultural operations proceed without interruption as the situation remains tense and requires timely intervention.