Advisor for Law & Justice and Land Revenue, T N Manen has on Thursday slammed the allegation made by an Assam Minister against Nagaland encroaching Assam land as “far from the truth” and instead accused Assam of “illegally” occupying land belonging to the Nagas.
“In fact, Assam is illegally reserving traditional land belonging to the original Nagas, illegally transferred out of Naga owners and since the time of British India, the Naga has been protesting and claiming to return to the original Nagaland owner,” the Advisor stated during the Zero Hour discussion on Assam-Nagaland Border.
Assam’s Minister for Border Protection and Development, Atul Bora had on 7th February 2024 claimed that Nagaland had had encroached Assam in as many as 28 instances over the last two years. Bora also said that approximately 83,000 hectares of Assam land were being occupied by the State’s neighbouring States of Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Arunachal. Of this, around 60,000 hectares were being taken by the Nagaland.
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Advisor TN Manen alleged that it was the other way round and asserted the statement made by the Assam minister as ‘false allegation’. He also accused the ‘big sister’ State of not respecting the agreement made according to the Interim Agreement Management.
Manen also said that for the mutual benefit of the people of Nagaland, and for the future of the Nagas, great importance should be given to the crude oil deposit on the Assam-Nagaland border.
He emphasized that Nagaland’s wealth lies in the border areas which are abundant in oil and minerals, rich forest resources and fertile soil and called upon the entire Naga people to stress on protecting these areas. He also mentioned that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had tried his best to bring about a share of oil royalty with Assam to enhance Nagaland’s economic future.
Advisor Manen expressed hope that the CM “with all his wisdom and experience gained over the years will ensure not to compromise the core issue of our right with all his diplomatic dexterity” and also expressed confidence that in good time, a settlement that benefits both parties will be made.
Replying to TN Mannen, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Border Affairs, Yanthungo Patton, shared on various steps taken by the State Government, including legal proceedings in the Supreme Court. He underscored that encroachment of land in Assam by Nagaland does not arise, as it did not occupy any land illegally. He added that the state Government will continue to take measures to resolve the border issue with Assam while the rights of the people and the state are protected.
