NLA adopts 3-point resolution on border issue

• 10-member select panel formed to examine border issue
• Open for out-of-court settlement of border dispute

Correspondent KOHIMA, AUG 5 (NPN) : After a day-long deliberation on the Assam-Nagaland border issue, the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on Thursday adopted three resolutions proposed by members of the House .

Leader of the House and chief minister Neiphiu Rio read out the three-point resolution, which was seconded by NPF leader TR Zeliang. NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer then put the resolution to vote and was accordingly passed by voice vote.

The house resolved to constitute a 10-member select committee to examine all aspects of the Assam-Nagaland border issue and submit its report within a period of three months.

The Select Committee is to consist of chief minister Neiphiu Rio as convener and deputy chief minister Y Patton and leader of opposition TR Zeliang as co-convenors including P Paiwang Konyak, Jacob Zhimomi, Mhathung Yanthan and Amenba Yaden as members. It will also include Rajya Sabha member KG. Kenye and Lok Sabha member Tokheho Yepthomi as special invitees while commissioner, Nagaland and secretary i/c of border affairs will be member-secretary.

The House also resolved to request Union home minister Amit Shah to ensure maintenance of status quo in letter and in spirit in the disputed area till it was settled.

In another resolution, the Assembly stated that the border issue should be amicably settled outside the court by the two State governments by involving the local communities from both sides. Earlier, initiating the discussion on ‘Nagaland-Assam Border’ under matters of urgent public importance, senior NPF legislator Imkong L. Imchen reminded that Assam has border disputes with several north eastern states and it (Assam) was responsible for recent border clashes with Mizoram owing to Assam’s belligerence.

Imchen suggested that chief minister Neiphiu Rio coordinate with all chief ministers of the north east having border disputes, to form a common platform and urge upon the prime minister to intervene in the face of aggressive policy of the Assam government.

Imkong Imchen also suggested formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee on border management do deal with and review all border agreements with Assam. He also demanded deployment of Nagaland Armed Police to the border area so as to protect the state’s border and discourage any misadventure by Assam Police.

He also urged upon the state government to expedite completion of the Foothill Road at the earliest to avoid travel through Assam on account of the spate of bandhs imposed on Nagaland.

Also taking part in the discussion, Leader of Opposition, TR Zeliang said the boundary dispute was a long pending issue and has witnessed border clashes in 1965, 1968, 1969, 1979, 1985, 2014 and 2015. He said it has created unrest among people of both the States.

He said that despite such conflict and turmoil, even the Supreme Court has not been able to finalise the boundary issue which he felt was due to the complexity of the matter.

Giving a brief historical background of Nagaland Zeliang stated that there have been Agreements between Assam and Nagaland to solve boundary disputes but the problem continue to exist which he believes, is partly due to the fact that some clauses in the Agreements signed between the two Governments are biased and thereby, unreliable and have worked to the disadvantage of Nagaland to a large extent.

Zeliang also highlighted on the Sundaram Report which was formed by the Centre under KVK Sundaram in 1971 to study the border dispute between Assam and Nagaland.

He highlighted various instances where Assam took undue advantage over Nagaland.

Zeliang stated that the imbroglio has to be resolved amicably outside the Court as total dependence on Supreme Court alone may not bring the matter to its logical conclusion. He also suggested that a Parliamentary Panel be constituted to study the border dispute issue and to submit its report within a stipulated time period.

Leader of the house and chief minister Neiphiu Rio while responding to members over the issue, supported the stand taken by Zeliang and also reminded that as per past agreements with Assam, all neutral forces deployed along the Assam-Nagaland border were placed under the operational command of IGP Assam and therefore, Nagaland has to tread cautiously on the matter.

Rio also recalled the controversial notification issued in 1925 by which huge tracts of lands were transferred to districts in Assam by the British without the consent of the Naga land owners. He said Assam took the case with the Supreme Court (in 1988) to legalise the notification which transferred 22 reserved forests and 41 tea estates to Assam.

Rio also said the maps made without the knowledge of the Nagas, in the notification clearly stated at the footnote “ It was yet to be verified on the ground”.

He also said the Union of India also held the view that it was not appropriate to demarcate the border based on the map prepared then by the Surveyor General of India in 1925.

Rio also informed the house that as per agreements signed with Assam in 1972 (4 agreements), 1979 (two agreements) and 1985 (one) agreement; Nagaland had withdrawn 12 police post after 1972 agreement . However, he said Assam did not comply instead , has increased their police posts and in DAB and as per last assessment, Assam has 53 police stations identified at its border.

Rio also mentioned that the Assam government during recent years has taken unilateral decisions against the status quo by giving Petroleum Mining Lease (PML) to ONGC and that exploration was going on in 27 disputed sites.

The chief minister disclosed that at the recent talks in Chümoukedmia between the chief secretaries of Assam and Nagaland, there were several pre-conditions set up Assam such as setting up watch tower under the pretext of protection of forest at Dessoi valley before withdrawal of police forces from the border.

Rio said he raised the issue with Assam chief minister who then asked the Assam chief secretary to sign the withdrawal agreement on July 31,2021.

On Nagaland Trans Highway (Foothill Road) Rio said the matter was taken up with the prime minister to declare it as a National highway. Rio said he also met MORTH minister who assured to take it up under Bharatmala Pariyojana though it was yet to be materialised.

Rio however said whether funds are received from Bharatmala or not, the state will try to pool funds under SPA and turn the dream road into reality.

Advisor border affairs and horticulture Mhathung Yanthan said claims of Nagas over lands now within Assa, was based on historical and traditional boundary . He gave a gist of the history and the sequence of events and the present status of Assam-Nagaland border issue.

Yanthan said Assam claimed that the boundary with Nagaland is based on the 1925 Boundary Line Notification by terming it as “Constitutional Boundary”.

He said Nagaland however reiterated its rightful claim over reserved forests (22 Reserved Forests) and Tea gardens (41 TEs) covering an approximate area of 13,000 Sq. Km . He said out of the 22 RFs, only 10 RFs are located along Assam-Nagaland boundary falls under Disputed Area Belt (DAB) covering an approx area of 1,484 Sq. Km, which constitute about 11% of the claimed area (from 13,000 sq. km).

He said since formation of Nagaland, there has been frequent border disputes with Assam and that Assam has blatantly violated all Interim Agreements over the years.

On the recent decision of the government of India, to engage NESAC Shillong for satellite imaging to demarcate boundaries of the NE States and settle inter-state border disputes, Yanthan however said despite scientific tools, physical boundary demarcation can only be done on the ground after mutual agreement between the disputing parties.

Those who also spoke included NPF member, YM. Yollow Konyak who suggested to the state government on having a proper land holding system in order to protect the interest of the people living in the border area.

He also opined that Foothill road should be completed as that will help protect Nagaland and also enable Nagas to take up business and agricultural activities along the foothill road.

Yollow suggested that the Government should have consultations with tribal Hohos and bring out a policy to settle the issue.

Minister, higher education and tribal affairs, Temjen Imna Along said that the Nagaland-Assam border issue remained unsettled ever since Nagaland became the 16th State of India.

He suggested upgradation of border magistrate to the level of DC and also insisted that the 13 IRB be deployed to area where recent incident had taken place . Along also welcomed establishing of village guards (VGs) to ensure security along the borders.

NPF MLA, Moatoshi Longkumer said every interim agreement has been disadvantageous to Nagaland as Assam government never honored or implemented them but took advantage of state government’s silence or inaction.

NPF legislator Amenba Yaden also shared his concern and suggested to appoint a border magistrate at the rank of DC and also suggested that neutral forces like BSF should be posted and not CRPF which can be manipulated.

Advisor IT&C, Science & Technology and NRE, Mmhonlumo Kikon said Border disputes between Nagaland and Assam have been going for a long time . He lauded the matured step of the state government in signing agreement between the two states. He also suggested engaging the union home ministry positively, aggressively and effectively on the issue.

NLA session adjourned sine die

NLA speaker, Sharingain Longkumer, adjourned the house sine die after completing all the listed items for the eighth session of the 13th NLA on August 5, 2021.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/nla-adopts-3-point-resolution-on-border-issue/237737.html