Morung Express News
Kohima | August 3
Discussions on the ongoing tension along the Assam-Nagaland border were taken up by the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Tuesday even as reports that the Assam Chief Minister plans to set up battalion camps at strategic locations along the border were doing the rounds.
The matter was brought up in starred question from MLA Dr Chumben Murry who sought to know if the reports were true and what the Nagaland government plans to do to counter the move.
To this, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton replied, “It is learned from media report that Assam Government plans to set up battalion camps. However, no official communications have been received.”
Patton stated that the state government has recently strengthened its manpower at Vikuto, Aosenden and Tsutapela Gate in order to counter any fresh attempts made by Assam to establish new Border Outposts. “The state machineries are alert and prepared to offset any moves made by Assam,” he added.
While appreciating the state Home Minister for his efforts in diffusing the tension, MLA Murry, pointed out that “diffusing tension is not enough and that there should be efforts to build a rapport as well as to create a mutual recognition about the settlers.”
He also took the opportunity to point out that Border Affairs Department has not been given its due importance in the state and urged the government to expand the department for flexibility.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recounted his telephonic discussion with his Assam counterpart on how to diffuse the tension and maintain peace in the disputed area, which he said, led to the meeting between the chief secretaries of Nagaland and Assam on July 31.
Withdrawal of forces from both sides have been completed, informed Rio, adding that the central government is aware and very sensitive with not only the Assam-Nagaland border dispute but other issues too. He suggested that further discussions should be carried out in the house so that a clear message of amicable settlement and peaceful coexistence can be given to the neighbours.
Leader of Opposition TR Zeliang also joined the discussion on the ‘complex and sensitive’ issue and said, “on the side of the Nagaland government, we have committed a lot of mistakes as during 1972, an agreement was entered between government of Nagaland and Assam where the upper hand is taken by Assam.”
While agreeing for further discussion by the house on this issue, Zeliang expressed concern that even if both the states have agreed to withdraw their forces, ultimately the neutral forces (CRPF or Para military) would come in who might try to control the border areas taking into account the 1972 agreement.
He also cautioned that the state government must be very careful if any agreement is in the offing in the near future, adding that the past mistakes should be retraced.
Meanwhile, the speaker informed that further discussions on border issue will be taken up on August 5.
