Dimapur, July 8 (MExN): The Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation (LLRPO) has urged the Nagaland Government to take time-bound measures on issues relating to the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), inter-state border administration, oil exploration and infrastructure, stating that they are vital to the State's territorial integrity, governance and long-term interests.
In a statement, the organisation expressed concern over what it described as inaccuracies in geo-tagged state boundaries on digital mapping platforms such as Google Maps, where certain Nagaland administrative areas are shown as part of Assam. It said such discrepancies could create confusion, weaken administrative claims and undermine the State's position on jurisdiction and boundary administration. The LLRPO urged the Government to initiate steps with the appropriate authorities to ensure Nagaland's official boundaries are accurately reflected.
On inter-state border management, the organisation said Nagaland should strengthen its administrative presence during border coordination meetings. It claimed that while Assam is routinely represented by senior officials such as Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, Nagaland is often represented by comparatively junior officers. The LLRPO urged the Government to consistently depute senior-ranking officers to such meetings, stating that stronger administrative representation would also support its long-standing demand for the creation of a separate Bhandari district. It further called for the establishment of an Excise outpost headed by an Inspector along the Wokha-Merapani route to curb drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
Recognising the strategic importance of the western Naga border, the organisation also called for the appointment of a dedicated Border Magistrate for Bhandari subdivision and the establishment of an Inner Line Permit (ILP) cell at the check gate to strengthen border governance and check illegal immigration.
The LLRPO also reiterated its support for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Lotha Hoho and the Nagaland Government on oil exploration. However, it sought clear assurances on the rehabilitation and welfare of communities likely to be affected by the project. It further urged the Government to publish an official digital map, including geo-coordinates of the DAB, along with a list of all affected villages, to eliminate uncertainty and improve transparency.
The organisation also sought clarification on whether the first phase of oil exploration would be confined to the DAB or extend to areas outside it.
On infrastructure, the organisation urged the Government to resume the second phase of the Foothills Road project without delay while ensuring high standards of construction quality and accountability. It said it would continue monitoring the quality of the project to ensure public resources are utilised responsibly.
Stating that the issues transcend regional interests and concern the sovereignty, administrative integrity and sustainable development of Nagaland, the LLRPO said it has constituted separate sub-committees on the Oil Issue, Border and Seed Farm, Foothill Road and Legal Affairs. It urged the Government to address the concerns with urgency, transparency and commitment.
