Calls for clarity on disputed belts, landowners’ consent
The Konyak Union (KU) has urged the Nagaland government to resolve long-pending border disputes and ensure the consent of landowners before proceeding with the proposed oil exploration in the Assam-Nagaland border region.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Konyak Union Advisory Board Council and Union Executive Council (UEC) held in Mon, where members deliberated on the proposed oil exploration following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the governments of Nagaland and Assam in New Delhi on June 11, 2026, in the presence of the Union Home Minister.
In a press statement, the Union called on the state government to provide clarity on unresolved disputed area belts, particularly the Tizit-Naginimora belt and the boundary between Longwa in Mon district and Pongchao in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, before implementing the bilateral agreement.
The Union said resolving these issues beforehand would help prevent future disputes and ensure that no eventualities arise during the implementation of the oil exploration project.
It also urged the government to take into account the views, concerns and consent of landowners before finalising any decision, stating that a fair, transparent and acceptable outcome could only be achieved through meaningful consultation with all stakeholders.
Further, the Konyak Union expressed support for the stand taken by the Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation (LLRPO), which had recently sought clarity on the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), stating that resolving the border issue was essential to safeguarding the integrity of the Nagas.
Highlighting the unresolved border issue in Mon district, the Union alleged that Google Maps inaccurately depicts the ancestral boundaries despite what it described as clear historical validation of the traditional boundary between the Konyaks and the Ahoms of Assam. It also claimed that the mapping overlaps parts of Mon district with neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, affecting ancestral boundaries between Konyak villages and the Wancho community.
RECAP | Centre signs Assam–Nagaland MoU to unlock oil exploration in disputed border areas; WC, NNPGs call move “illegal”
The Union recalled that it had submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Nagaland on September 3, 2024, seeking rectification of the issue, but alleged that no response had been received to date. It said the lack of action had resulted in technical inconsistencies in official records and could potentially lead to confrontation between neighbouring states.
Expressing hope that the government would initiate corrective measures, the Union said timely intervention would help prevent misunderstandings, reduce public confusion and strengthen trust between the government and the people. It reiterated its commitment to cooperating with the government towards achieving a peaceful, just and lasting resolution to the issue.
The Union also reiterated its earlier concerns regarding border security and reminded the state government of a representation submitted through the Deputy Chief Minister (Home) on July 12, 2025.
According to the Union, the representation sought the establishment of police check gates and related infrastructure at the international border in Longwa, Chenmoho, Wangti and Monyakshu, as well as at Namthai and Hota Hoti along the Assam-Nagaland border. It also called for the construction of the Wakching Police Station and the Laukun Police Outpost building.
Appealing to the government to consider its proposals, the Union expressed its willingness to work in cooperation with the government to strengthen border security and address issues affecting the region.
