Kohima, March 12 (NationPress) The ongoing situation in the contested region along the 512-km Assam-Nagaland border was a major topic of discussion in the Nagaland Assembly on Thursday. Lawmakers voiced their concerns regarding security challenges, reported land encroachments, and the administrative hurdles faced by those residing in the border territories.

During the question hour, Naga People’s Front MLA Achumbemo Kikon highlighted the vulnerability of Nagaland's border regions, especially the Ralan sector, which is part of his constituency and shares approximately 105 km of border with Assam.

He underscored the need for immediate attention to recent occurrences in the area and called for the deployment of additional police personnel.

In response, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, who oversees Border Affairs, informed the assembly that a temporary police outpost has been established, and plans for a permanent station are being expedited.

Regarding the proposed permanent police outpost at Lio-Longchym, Patton stated that this matter is under review by the state government.

Patton also mentioned that the government is evaluating the creation of nine new police outposts in border villages.

When questioned by Kikon, Patton explained that all police outposts were withdrawn following the 1972 Interim Agreement, while Assam has since set up 63 permanent police outposts along the Assam-Nagaland border.

In answer to a query from MLA Achumbemo Kikon about whether any plantation initiatives have occurred in the Ralan area following the recent eviction drive, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, C.L. John, informed the Assembly that no such initiatives have yet taken place. However, he mentioned that plans for a plantation drive are being considered in the upcoming months.

Addressing a follow-up question regarding the presence of Forest Guards to patrol the Reserve Forest in the DAB, the Minister indicated that the area is currently monitored by neutral forces, with no state personnel assigned at this time.

Additionally, Kikon inquired about the status of extending a power line from Nagaland to Tchunjanphen and nearby villages in the border region. Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, K.G. Kenye, indicated that efforts to provide electricity have been hindered due to complications regarding the Right of Way (RoW) in the disputed area, with a significant portion of the proposed route falling under Assam. He reassured that the department is actively searching for alternative routes to supply electricity to the region.

Kikon also raised concerns that numerous villages in the border areas, recognized by the state government during geo-tagging, belong to Assam and need proper demarcation for the census.

Echoing these sentiments, Minister for PHE & Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, suggested that a letter be sent to the relevant ministry or department to ensure accurate real-time population data and geographical mapping of Nagaland. This, he argued, would guarantee that the implementation of government initiatives is not obstructed and that residents in border areas receive the essential services and benefits of government schemes.