Dimapur, Feb 25 (MExN): Following a spate of reported incursions and aggression from Assam police and villagers alike in the recent times, Chief Secretary of Nagaland and Nagaland Commissioner paid a visit to the Liphayan Governor’s Camp areas, Wokha, bordering Assam from February 21. Compliant to the visit of the state government team, reliable sources indicated that recommendations to the Local Border Commission would be made soon with the next round of deliberations being specifically for Nagaland after Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Further related to this, the state government is understood to have demanded a “proper” Boundary Commission and not a delegated local entity like the Local Boundary Commission.
On the visit, understood to be mainly for assessing the situation by the Nagaland government, to Wokha villages bordering Assam, Chief Secretary Lalhuma and Commissioner TN Mannen also inspected the controversial water-irrigation pump project at Liphayan, reported to have constructed by the Assam government. The government is also reported to have finalized ‘in principle’ the sensitive issue of SDO (HQ) site in the Ralan range. The issue, sources said, has been sensitive for the government for the fact that an administrative capsule such as the SDO HQ would mean a virtual claim over the border as Nagaland’s.
The government also took strong note of the ever-complained-about reported absence of Border Magistrates (BMs) during situations of incursion or harassment. While acknowledging that the border Nagas villages have little or no infrastructure for decided or sustained stay, the Chief Secretary is reported to have asked the BMs to be in station promptly when situation demands, to be alert and to “sympathize with the sentiments” of the people. The Border Magistrates were also asked to lodge in Governor’s Camp, Liphayan in their commute to their respective border jurisdiction.
The state chiefs also in their assessment of the current situation are reported to be satisfied that “there is nothing there” for now. Presently, there is no situation warranting deployment of security forces for the Naga villagers, it is understood. Consultations with the affected people and public leaders of Liphayan village, Ralan villages (Old and New) etc were also had. Discussions regarding collection of records, the Local Border Commission and recommendations to it on the dispute and incursion from Assam elements and harassment thereof, figured in the visit, it was informed. Lalhuma and TN Mannen were accompanied by senior state officials.
When contacted, Commissioner TN Mannen said while recommendations to the boundary commission could be expected soon, it is for the Lotha public to jointly compile and prepare measured records and relevant documents for the commission to base its recommendations.
