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Key Points

Nagaland and Assam have agreed to conduct joint eviction operations along their shared border to prevent unilateral actions. The Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton, emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to manage border tensions and protect citizens' interests. A Special Border Response Force will be established to handle border-related challenges promptly. Both state governments are committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and collaborative approaches.

Key Points: Nagaland-Assam Border Eviction Drives to Be Joint Operations

  • Joint eviction drives planned between Nagaland and Assam administrations
  • Special Border Response Force to be established for prompt border issue resolution
  • Halt on new plantations and pillar erections until Chief Ministers resolve matters
  • 45 Assam police outposts currently operational in Disputed Area Belt
3 min read

'All eviction drives along Nagaland-Assam border to be conducted jointly'

Nagaland Deputy CM Yanthungo Patton announces coordinated border management strategy to prevent illegal immigration and resolve territorial disputes.

"We will continue all necessary steps to protect the interests of our citizens in border districts. - Yanthungo Patton"

Kohima, Sep 4

All eviction drives along the Nagaland-Assam inter-state borders would be conducted jointly by district administrations and police from both states in order to ensure no unilateral actions are taken and to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton said on Thursday.

Making a statement on the second day of the state Assembly session, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Nagaland government, under the supervision of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has been closely monitoring the inter-state borders situation.

He informed the house that after discussions between the Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Assam on August 21, both parties agreed to halt any further plantations or pillar erections until matters are resolved at the Chief Ministerial level.

The Cabinet in its meeting on August 26 resolved that all illegal immigrants are to be evicted, and any required plantation drives would be carried out jointly by both states, with coordination among district administrations, police, forest departments, and involvement of local communities.

Patton, who holds the Home and Border Affairs portfolio, stated that the cabinet had resolved to communicate with the Union Home Minister and Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the continued presence of Assam Police Forces in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), which is contrary to the 1972 Agreement.

He said that Assam now operates 45 permanent police outposts in the DAB, while Nagaland has withdrawn all its five pre-1972 police outposts.

The Deputy CM said that since the first information about an eviction-oriented survey in the Reserve Forest by Assam authorities the Nagaland state government, upon learning of these developments, the Border Magistrate, Uriamghat, Nagaland, raised the issue with the Border Magistrate, Sarupathar on July 17 and conducted an on-site verification.

Following this, a joint coordination meeting was held on July 22 with senior officials from both sides at Sarupathar, Assam.

Patton informed the house that on July 24, he visited the DAB area of Wokha and Niuland districts accompanied by MLAs, representatives from Lotha Hoho, Lotha Students' Union, and Western Sumi Hoho local leaders to engage directly with the affected people.

The Nagaland cabinet had also agreed to establish a Special Border Response Force (SBRF) including personnel from Border Affairs, Police, and Forest Department for prompt response to any border issues.

He assured all the members the state government would continue all necessary steps to protect the interests of its citizens in all border districts, ensuring no unilateral actions are taken and that all eviction or plantation drives are strictly joint undertakings.

Patton appealed to all civil society organisations and the media to rely only on verified, official sources for all information related to recent developments in the DAB.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move but implementation is key. Hope they actually involve local communities as promised. Often these decisions sound good in assembly but ground reality is different. Fingers crossed for peaceful resolution!
R
Rohit P
Why does Assam have 45 police outposts while Nagaland has none? This imbalance needs urgent attention from Home Ministry. 1972 Agreement should be respected by both sides equally.
A
Ananya R
Protecting against illegal immigration is crucial for both states. Hope this joint effort actually works on ground level. Border disputes have affected common people for too long 🙏
S
Sarah B
The Special Border Response Force sounds like a practical solution. Quick response teams can prevent small issues from escalating into major conflicts. Hope they get adequate resources and training.
M
Michael C
While the joint approach is commendable, I'm concerned about the humanitarian aspect of eviction drives. Hope they handle it sensitively and provide proper rehabilitation where needed.

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