The office of the Border Magistrate, Merapani has written to the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bhandari notifying a report regarding objection/ issue raised due to the erection of the notice board along the Mekirang River by the Joint Village Council of Mekirang, Lio- Longchum and Longavim Village.

It Informed that for the past few years the people have started coming to Mekirang River which is at the foothill of Mekirang. Lio-Longchum and Longayim Village for picnic especially during festive seasons and holidays.

“During that time, most picnic dwellers not only consume intoxicating things but also create ruckus disturbing the peaceful environment of the area. Further they also litter the river as well the surroundings thereby harming the flora and fauna as well the environment. There have also been instances where an individual was killed / murder by his companion under the influence of intoxicating thing at Mekirang River, thereby creating tension and commotion between the people residing in Disputed Area Belt (DAB) area. Such activities and incident have created a tense environment leading to fear and mistrust between the people residing in DAB area,” mentioned the office.

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Further, a signboard  has also been erected at the Neghribill Junction which is in the DAB which read as  “Welcome to Neghribill Picnic Place” with an arrow mark direction leading to the Mekirang River creating confusion for the individual/group/community coming to Neghribill Picnic Place.

“The public and Village Council of Mekirang Village, Lio-Longchum Village and Longayim Village have no objection against the individual/group/community coming to Neghribill Picnic Place, if that picnic place/spot exist at Neghribill, however they prohibits such activities at their jurisdiction,” stated the notice.

Therefore, to avoid future confusion, complication, issue and law and order situation within the people residing in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), the Joint Village Council of Mekirang Village, Lio-Longchum Village and Longayim Village erected a notice board at Mekirang River under Nagaland State jurisdiction on December 18, 2024 prohibiting fishing. Hunting, picnic and collecting firewood or any kind of forest product within the jurisdiction of Mekirang. Lio-Longchum and imposing a penalty of Rs. 10,000/- for the defaulters.