DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 22 (MExN): The Rangapahar crossing sub- urb, S. Hukavi Zhimomi colony and SangtamTilla village joint committee have urged the Dimapur Deputy Commissioner and the state government to take appropriate measures to “protect the mutual dispute agreement between Assam and Nagaland government declared jointly during 1971 and subsequently re-affirmed in 1979.”
A press note from Sunil Dutta, Chairman, Elders’ Committee Rangapahar Crossing; Y Hotoi Awomi, GB of S Hukavi Zhimomi Colony and Sekyuchem Sangtam, GB of Sangtamtilla stated that “over the years the government of Assam has been taking undue advantage and utterly failed to uphold the terms of agreement.”
It said that the vast tract of green forest in the disputed area left under its protection has “diminished and has been laid barren.” It added that despite non permission to any form of permanent structures, RCC constructions, electrification, water supply, black topping etc. have been undertaken in the disputed area. “Over and above which, several villages have been established by outsiders and illegal immigrants holding Assam government Patta under the nose of Nagaland government, nullifying the deed of agreement,” it added.
It stated that the word ‘dispute’ “implies that neither Assam government nor Nagaland government enjoys the sole authority over the said land,” that, “permanent boundary demarcation does not exist till date.” Hence, it asserted that as per the term of the agreement, officials from both the states in the rank of DIG should be allowed to supervise and monitor the matter. In the best interest of both the parties, a neutral force should be engaged to man the border till the dispute is settled, it added.
It further appealed for the government of Nagaland to take prompt necessary action to stop all kinds of “intrusion in the disputed area,” “failing which, we shall be compelled to take every necessary step to keep our border secure and intact.”
