Kohima, 14 September (MTNews): During the second session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Thursday, 14 September, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio responded to queries regarding encroached land and disputed areas with Assam.
CM Rio acknowledged that reserved forest areas in the Kohima district are disputed territories. He referenced the 16-point agreement which stipulates their transfer to the Naga Hills. However, he pointed out that over the years, encroachments by tea growers and Assam’s control have complicated matters.
“The integration of Naga contiguous areas and forest regions remains under negotiation,” CM Rio stated, highlighting the historical “divide-and-rule” policy that has divided Nagas across state and international boundaries.
“The policy of divide and rule has divided us. It continues to divide us. Our Naga national workers are divided. Even today, divisions persist among overgrounds and state leaders due to this policy. This is why the regional government has decided that our motto should be unity,” Rio emphasized.
Rio also discussed land issues, noting that while some lands under Naga occupation have been leased to outsiders, others have been sold for tax collection. He recounted historical events like the Merapani war, where “VGs from the Eastern region fought, occupied the whole area,” and celebrated the victory with “cows and dogs.” However, he lamented that those sites are now occupied by the Assamese.
The Chief Minister also expressed concerns about neutral forces like the CRPF monitoring disputed areas, with command under Assam, resulting in substantial territorial losses. He also expressed skepticism that even if the issue is taken to courts, occupational rights will intervene.
“Except for Saikia, both Sonowal and Himanta suggest that we can settle the land dispute issue outside the court,” Rio said.
Rio further informed the assembly that petroleum product royalty would be shared equally between Assam and Nagaland, following the Home Minister Amit Shah’s intervention. However, he acknowledged opposition from Naga groups, civil society organizations (CSOs), and tribal hohos and emphasized the importance of resolving the matter without confrontation.
Furthermore, Rio emphasized that if the Naga political issue is resolved, other matters can also be addressed.
“Nagaland is rich but we remain poor,” he said, adding that the rich natural resources are not being exploited and hoped that the Naga political issue will soon be settled.