A commotion and ensuing scuffle took place on December 14 at the Nagaland State Seed Farm in Merapani, which was brought under control with the intervention of district administration and law enforcement personnel from both Nagaland and Assam states, a DIPR report stated.
As per the report, the incident and related issues were discussed during the SDPDB Bhandari meeting held on December 16 at the conference hall of Summer House-Cum-Guest House, Bhandari. Deputy Director of the Nagaland State Seed Farm, Merapani, Lawrence, informed the house that on the following day, December 15, some individuals and groups vandalized part of the State Seed Farm Baptist Church, established in 1882 within the Seed Farm. He described the church as a peaceful place of worship for decades before the incident.
Lawrence further reported that FIRs relating to both the scuffle and the vandalism have been lodged at police stations in Bhandari, Nagaland, and Merapani, Assam.
He urged all concerned not to take the law into their own hands and called for serious attention to the matter, especially given the desecration of a long-standing place of worship.
During the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Vice Chairman of SDPDB Bhandari, Longasen Lotha, NCS, advised the department to impose a total ban on hunting within the State Seed Farm to maintain peace within the area.
RECAP | Fresh border tension reported in Merapani Sector of Assam-Nagaland border
While the DIPR report did not provide further details, it pertains to the longstanding Assam-Nagaland border dispute in the Merapani sector, an area that has experienced repeated tensions over land claims. The incident was widely covered by Assam-based media outlets.
The SDPDB meeting also proposed and accepted the creation of an “Officers Club Bhandari” aimed at fostering cooperation and improving public service.
In his opening remarks, Longasen Lotha lauded the Bhandari-based officers and staff for their diligent service to the public throughout the year. He concluded the meeting by extending Christmas and New Year wishes to all members present.
