March 13, Kohima: Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly have expressed concerns over security and development challenges in the disputed area belt, DAB, along the state's border with Assam.
Raising the issue on Thursday, MLA Achumbemo Kikon said the border areas remain vulnerable, with frequent tensions and skirmishes between residents of the two states.
He also alleged encroachment and difficulties faced by residents in carrying out economic activities in the area, questioning the conduct of neutral forces such as CRPF and CISF towards citizens of Nagaland in the DAB.
Mr Kikon further raised concerns over the accuracy of the upcoming Census exercise in the DAB, noting that geo-tagging sometimes placed recognised Naga villages in the DAB under Assam.
Responding in the House, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in charge of Border Affairs, Y. Patton noted that Nagaland withdrew all its five outposts following the 1972 interim border agreement, while Assam has established 63 permanent police outposts.
He added that the state government is examining setting up eight to nine new police outposts in border areas across the state.
Meanwhile, Power Minister K. G. Kenye informed that the government faced challenges such as right-of-way issues while extending electricity to border villages, but assured that efforts are on to find alternative routes for the power supply.
Also responding, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change CL John informed that plantation drives in the DAB areas is proposed to be done during May or June this year.
He noted that currently, there are no forest guard patrols in the areas as security is handled by neutral forces, but the department may deploy personnel if need arises.
Meanwhile, PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi also raised concerns over incorrect geo-mapping along the DAB, and urged the state government to take up the issue with authorities such as Geographical Survey of India to ensure that central development projects in border areas are not hindered.