Wokha, June 23 (MExN): Expressing deep concern over the “discriminatory enforcement” of the inter-state border status quo and continued security challenges, the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) and Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH) have jointly submitted an urgent appeal to Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Yanthungo Patton. The appeal seeks immediate administrative and security intervention in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) under Lotha jurisdiction.
In a memorandum submitted following a joint consultative meeting on June 12 at Liphanyan Village, the student and youth bodies highlighted glaring disparities in the application of the status quo agreement along the Assam-Nagaland border. They alleged that while Assam authorities are constructing “permanent structures” unhindered, Nagaland is being restricted from erecting even temporary agricultural huts.
“The prevailing situation along the DAB demands urgent and serious attention due to the glaring disparities in the application of the so-called “status quo” agreement between the Governments of Nagaland and Assam,” the memorandum stated.
The Lotha bodies asserted that this discriminatory enforcement violates the spirit of mutual restraint and the Supreme Court's directives, while also undermining the constitutional rights of the Nagas. They have urged the “Government of Nagaland to immediately intervene and ensure strict, equitable enforcement of the status quo agreement.”
The appeal further raised serious security concerns, noting that despite a joint eviction drive by the Governments of Nagaland and Assam, “personnel of the Assam Police continue to occupy temporary camps and outposts in several evicted portions of the DAB.” Therefore, the student bodies demanded for “the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Assam Police outposts from the DAB areas to restore public confidence and ensure lasting peace along the inter-state border.”
To strengthen law enforcement, the LSU and LYH have demanded the immediate establishment of permanent police outposts in Tuchanpen and Yanlum villages under Ralan and Yanmhon areas. “These outposts must be adequately manned and equipped to maintain round-the-clock law and order, provide rapid response during emergencies and border tensions, and act as a deterrent against further encroachment attempts from across the border,” the memorandum added.
The student bodies highlighted that the Forest Outpost at Liphanyan Village is “severely understaffed” and unable to conduct regular patrolling, leaving forest land vulnerable to encroachment. They urged the urgent deployment of additional forest personnel and upgradation of the outpost with proper infrastructure and mobility support, including the establishment of permanent forest check posts.
The Lotha bodies appealed to the Government of Nagaland to safeguard recognised Naga villages along the border, particularly in Ralan and Yanmhon areas of Wokha District. They lamented that these villages remain deprived of basic amenities like road connectivity and electricity, while neighbouring Assam has extended due development to its border villages.
“Despite having been granted recognition by the State, many of these villages remain deprived of basic amenities and lack visible government presence within their jurisdiction. This neglect has left communities without electricity connections, road connectivity, and other essential infrastructure in several villages,” they said.
The appeal also raised concern over the “rampant illegal mining and extraction of boulders and minerals” from the Assam side within the DAB under Ralan Area. The Lotha bodies alleged that these activities are causing “irreversible environmental degradation” and altering natural river courses. They have requested a joint inspection and stringent legal action against the perpetrators.
Reiterating their faith in the Deputy Chief Minister's leadership, the organisations urged him to treat these matters with the “utmost priority” to uphold Nagaland's territorial integrity and ensure border peace. The memorandum was signed by LSU President S Zubenthung Ngullie and General Secretary Nyanthung M Khuvung, along with LYH President Mharhomo V Murry and General Secretary Wopenthung L Ezung.
