Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 12
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton on Thursday informed the state assembly that a temporary police outpost has been established at Tchunjanphen, while a proposal for a permanent facility is currently under process.
Responding to a starred question by MLA Achumbemo Kikon during the Eighth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Patton, who holds the Border Affairs portfolio, said the government is examining the establishment of a permanent police outpost at Lio-Longchym/Longayim.
Kikon had raised concerns regarding the current status of both police outposts, emphasising that recent incidents in the area require urgent attention and appealing for the deployment of additional police personnel. Patton informed that the state government is examining proposals to set up nine new police outposts in border villages.
Replying to Kikon on plantation drive in DAB (Ralan Area) after the eviction drive of the illegal immigrants, Patton said that no plantation drive has been carried out so far.
Patton stated that the State had withdrawn all police outposts following the 1972 Interim Agreement, whereas Assam has since established 63 permanent police outposts along the Assam–Nagaland borders.
Referring to the 1972 interim agreement between Assam and Nagaland, Kikon said that Nagaland had withdrawn all Police outposts and police stations along Assam-Nagaland area, especially in the disputed area “but on the part of Assam, instead of reducing, they have increased.” He alleged that Neutral force like CISF and CRPF instead of taking a neutral stand, are protecting the citizens from Assam side and even stopping for the operation of the petrol pump constructed by Nagas. “From 1972 interim agreement, it is already crystal clear, that status quo should be maintained,” he said.
Responding on whether Forest Guards have been deployed to patrol the Reserve Forest in the DAB, Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Village Guards Minister CL John said, the area is currently being patrolled by Neutral forces and the State has not stationed any personnel there at present. The department will see to it if needed, he said.
Regarding action taken by the concerned department on the issue of extending a power line from the Nagaland side to Tchunjanphen and neighboring villages in the border areas, Power & Parliamentary Affairs Minister KG Kenye stated that the department’s attempt to provide electricity supply has been stalled. The Right of Way for the proposed line passes through the disputed area, with a larger portion falling under Assam, he said. However, he assured that the department is actively exploring an alternative route to provide power supply to the area.
Reporting several villages in the border areas, recognised by the state government during geo-tagging falls under Assam, and should be properly demarcated during the census exercise, he noted.
Sharing the concern, PHED & Cooperation Minister Jacob Zhimomi suggested writing to the concerned ministry or department to ensure real-time population data and correct geographical mapping of Nagaland. This, he said, would help ensure that the implementation of government schemes is not hindered and that people in border areas are not deprived of basic facilities.
