Alleging unequal enforcement of the status quo arrangement along the Assam-Nagaland border, the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) and Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH) have claimed that Nagaland residents are being prevented from constructing even temporary agricultural huts in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) while permanent structures continue to emerge on the Assam side.
The two organisations described the situation as a threat to the interests of border communities and Nagaland’s territorial claims and sought the intervention of Deputy Chief Minister and Home and Border Affairs Minister Yanthungo Patton.
The Disputed Area Belt along the Assam-Nagaland border has remained a source of recurring tension between the two states, with both sides maintaining competing territorial claims in several sectors.
In a joint representation submitted following a consultative meeting of apex Lotha organisations, the LSU and LYH questioned what they described as “glaring disparities” in the implementation of the status quo arrangement governing the disputed belt.
According to the organisations, villagers under Lotha jurisdiction face restrictions on basic agricultural activities, while alleged construction activities across the border continue unchecked.
The organisations warned that unequal enforcement of the status quo risks undermining public confidence and could further complicate an already sensitive interstate dispute.
They also demanded the removal of Assam Police outposts from areas previously cleared during joint eviction drives by the Governments of Nagaland and Assam, claiming that their continued presence has created fear and insecurity among local residents.
The representation further called for the establishment of permanent police outposts at Tuchanpen and Yanlum villages, stating that the absence of a permanent security presence has left border communities vulnerable to encroachment and intimidation.
Raising another concern, the LSU and LYH alleged that boulders, stones and other minerals are being extracted illegally from the disputed belt in the Ralan sector. The organisations claimed that the activities are causing environmental degradation and altering natural river courses and urged the government to initiate inspections and take legal action against those involved.
The organisations also expressed concern over what they described as neglect of recognised border villages in the Ralan and Yanmhon areas.
Despite official recognition by the State Government, many villages continue to face poor road connectivity, inadequate power supply and limited administrative presence, they said.
Stressing that border villages play a critical role in safeguarding Nagaland’s territorial interests, the organisations urged the government to accord the matter top priority and take immediate steps to strengthen security, infrastructure and administrative presence in the disputed belt.
The organisations appealed to the Deputy Chief Minister to accord the matter top priority, stating that timely resolution of the issues was crucial for upholding Nagaland’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety and welfare of border communities.
