Dimapur, July 10 : United Naga Tribes Association on Border Areas (UNTABA) today reiterated their position on the vexed boundary issue between Nagaland and Assam, stating that the problem must be settled by political decision since Nagaland as the 16th State in the Union of India was created based on political agreement while keeping in abeyance the boundary demarcation to be undertaken ‘in due course of time’ in accordance to the provisions of Article 3 & 4 of the Constitution of India.
In a representation to the State Chief Minister, UNTABA demanded to adopt resolution seeking the Parliament to consider Amendment in the ‘State of Nagaland Act’ 1962, Section 3 & 4 in the august house of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. It also urged the State government to vigorously pursue the implementation of Points No. 12 & 13 of the ‘16 Points Agreement’ of 1960 so as to amalgamate the traditional and historical Naga lands in Assam to the present State of Nagaland.
UNTABA also urged the Chief Minister to consider the appeal of the concerned Naga citizens to file suitable petition in the Supreme Court praying for the implementation of ‘9 Points Agreement’ of 1947 for the amalgamation vis-a-vis bringing back the traditional and historical Naga lands in Assam to Nagaland as agreed between the then Emissaries of the Government of India and the Naga people (NNC); and to direct the concerned authority/ department to maintain a clear Naga-Ahom traditional and political boundary in all official documents since the stand of the Naga people is no more or less than its historical records of the time immemorial.
In a joint representation, UNTABA chairman Hukavi T Yeputhomi and general secretary, Imsumongba Pongen requested the Chief Minister to consider allowing the Department of Law & Justice to directly get involved with the Border Affairs Department to pursue the ongoing litigation process in the Supreme Court. It further requested appointment of a pro-active Naga veteran as Advisor for proper functioning of various agencies on the border issue.
UNTABA said, in its effort to bring about resolution on the vexed boundary issue between Nagaland and Assam, it has been sincerely exploring all possible initiatives. Towards this end, it had extensive consultation with all the stakeholders including Central and State leaders, other agencies, legal luminaries and finally attended the last consultative meeting called by the Chief Minister.
