The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) and Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH) have jointly appealed to Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Home and Border Affairs, Yanthungo Patton, seeking urgent administrative and security intervention to address a series of pressing issues affecting the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) under Lotha jurisdiction along the Assam-Nagaland border.
In a representation submitted to the Deputy Chief Minister following a joint consultative meeting held on June 12 at Liphanyan Village, attended by various apex organizations including the Ralan Area Lotha Hoho, Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation, Yanmhon Area Public Organisation and the Joint Coordination Committee, the two organizations highlighted concerns relating to border security, alleged violations of the status quo agreement, illegal mining, forest protection and the welfare of border villages.
The organizations expressed serious concern over what they described as “glaring disparities” in the application of the so-called “status quo” agreement between the Governments of Nagaland and Assam in the Disputed Area Belt.
According to the representation, Nagaland residents are reportedly prevented from constructing even temporary agricultural huts and farm structures, while permanent constructions allegedly continue on the Assam side without obstruction.
Stating that such “discriminatory enforcement” violates both the spirit of mutual restraint and standing directives of the Supreme Court regarding the maintenance of status quo in disputed areas, the LSU and LYH urged the State Government to immediately intervene and ensure strict, equitable enforcement of the status quo agreement.
The organizations also objected to the continued presence of Assam Police personnel in areas cleared during the joint eviction drives conducted by the two states. They alleged that the continued presence of these police outposts is creating a climate of fear, mistrust, and insecurity among the local Lotha populace.
They called upon the Government of Nagaland to take up the matter with Assam and secure the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Assam Police outposts from the DAB to restore public confidence and ensure lasting peace along the inter-state border.
To strengthen security and law enforcement in vulnerable border areas, the LSU and LYH demanded the establishment of permanent police outposts at Tuchanpen Village and Yanlum Village under the Ralan and Yanmhon areas. They maintained that the absence of a permanent security presence has encouraged encroachment, law-and-order disturbances and intimidation of villagers.
The representation, jointly signed by LSU President S Zubenthung Ngullie, LYH President Mharhomo V Murry, LSU General Secretary Nyanthung M Khuvung and LYH General Secretary Wopenthung L Ezung, further highlighted concerns regarding forest protection. The organizations stated that the existing Forest Outpost at Liphanyan Village remains severely understaffed and lacks adequate infrastructure to monitor the extensive border area effectively. They sought the deployment of additional forest personnel, upgrading of the outpost with proper infrastructure and mobility support, and the establishment of permanent forest check gates and checkpoints at strategic locations.
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The LSU and LYH also appealed for greater protection and development of recognized Lotha Naga villages situated along the Assam-Nagaland border, particularly in the Ralan and Yanmhon areas. While these villages have been officially recognized by the State Government, the organizations claimed many continue to suffer from inadequate road connectivity, lack of electricity and limited government presence.
They said neighbouring Assam has extended due importance to its border villages, ensuring development, administrative outreach, and consistent support for its people.
They stated that safeguarding these villages and their land rights is vital, as such protection directly affirms Nagaland’s territorial demarcation. By preserving these lands and their resources, the State not only secures its boundaries but also ensures the sustainable well-being and dignity of the communities residing therein, they added.
Another major concern raised was the alleged illegal extraction of boulders, stones and other minerals from the DAB under the Ralan area. The organizations alleged that mining activities carried out from the Assam side are causing environmental degradation and altering natural river courses. They urged the government to initiate joint inspections and take stringent legal action against those involved.
Reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the interests of border communities, the LSU and LYH appealed to the Deputy Chief Minister to accord the matter top priority, stating that timely resolution of these issues is crucial for upholding Nagaland’s territorial integrity, ensuring the safety and welfare of its citizens and maintaining peace and tranquility along the inter-state boundary.
