Deputy CM Y Patton’s Bold Visit to Nagaland’s Border Villages Amid Rising Assam Tensions
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, accompanied by senior officials, visited Tuli in Mokokchung district on October 15 to address border disputes with Assam. Recognizing its strategic importance, Patton inspected the disputed areas, including an Assam Police Commando Battalion camp site at Septsuyong Lu in Kangtsung Village and Wameken Yimsen Village. This visit, which came amidst rising tensions, aimed to understand local concerns and involve stakeholders in resolving the issue.
The Ao Senden, an influential local body, has repeatedly appealed for intervention, citing the Assam Police’s alleged encroachment on Kangtsung Village’s land. Their appeals, first raised in January 2022, highlighted how the situation remained unresolved despite multiple representations to the Nagaland government. Adding to the complexity, a report in the Times of India revealed that the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change had granted preliminary approval for diverting 28 hectares of reserve forest for the police camp, escalating local concerns.
Patton assured community leaders that the Nagaland government was committed to addressing the issue. He informed villagers that letters had been sent to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Assam’s Chief Minister seeking a resolution. The Nagaland cabinet, which discussed the issue on October 9, is prepared for further meetings with Assam to resolve the dispute. Patton emphasized the importance of retaining indigenous land ownership, discouraging villagers from selling land to non-locals.
Marsanen Imsong, President of Ao Senden, described Patton and the Director General of Police Rupin Sharma’s visit as “historic.” He emphasized that the Aos had farmed the land for generations and viewed any police encampment as a threat to their ancestral heritage, vowing not to surrender an inch of it. The visit underscores the local determination to preserve their land and heritage amid ongoing disputes.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/nagaland-deputy-cm-y-patton-visits-border-villages-amid-tensions-with-assam
Category : Nagaland
Tags:
