Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton in Wokha on June 13. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Wokha | June 13
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Border Affairs, Yanthungo Patton, on Saturday said the state government has not received any official information regarding allegations that the Assam Police are setting up temporary structures in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), but assured that the matter will be verified.
“Our state government is not informed, but if that is the case, I will deploy my police force for spot verification,” Patton told media persons on the sidelines of a BJP campaign programme for the Wokha Town Council ULB bye-election 2026 held at the VDB Hall, Wokha Town.
The issue was raised on June 12 by the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) and several apex Lotha organisations during a meeting at Liphayan Village Community Hall. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH), Lotha Lower Range Students’ Union, Ralan Area Lotha Hoho, Lotha Lower Range Public Organization, Yammhon Area Public Organization, and the Joint Coordination Committee to deliberate on issues concerning Lotha jurisdiction, particularly the Ralan and DAB areas.
Addressing media persons after the meeting, LSU President S Zubenthung Ngullie said that while several sensitive matters were discussed, some issues would remain confidential for the time being.
Among the concerns highlighted was the alleged construction of temporary structures by the Assam Police in the DAB area.
Patton’s response came a day after the meeting, as the border dispute between Nagaland and Assam continues to simmer in several areas along the inter-state boundary.
Patton also commented on the recently signed tripartite agreement involving the central government, Assam, and Nagaland, which stipulates a 50:50 sharing of resources from oil and gas exploration in designated areas along the Assam-Nagaland border.
Expressing confidence that the agreement would help resolve the long-standing border dispute, he said, “I think since the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Assam have agreed to this resource sharing, our border problem will be resolved.” When asked whether local communities would be consulted before the agreement is implemented, Patton replied, “Yes, they will be consulted.”
