In a bid to resolve the long-standing border dispute with Assam, the Nagaland government will soon engage in high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton announced on Tuesday.
Patton, who holds the portfolio for Home and Border Affairs, visited Tuli in Mokokchung district, a region bordering Assam, to assess the ground situation. Accompanied by local MLA A Pangjung Jamir, DGP Rupin Sharma, and senior district officials, Patton’s team inspected sensitive areas, including the Assam Police Commando Battalion camp at Septsuyong Lu in Kangtsung village and Wameken Yimsen village.
The visit aimed to engage with local stakeholders amid rising tensions along the border. Addressing villagers and members of Ao Senden, the district’s apex tribal body, Patton stressed the government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution. He noted that the state cabinet had already deliberated on the issue during its October 9 meeting, and letters had been sent to the Prime Minister and Assam’s Chief Minister to expedite the resolution.
Nagaland and Assam, which share a 512.1 km border, have seen tensions flare in the Disputed Area Belt, with both states accusing each other of encroachment. A case regarding the dispute has been pending in the Supreme Court for several years.
