DIMAPUR — The Konyak Union (KU) on Friday rejected claims that a non-existent dam or alleged illegal coal mining in Nagaland triggered flooding in neighbouring Assam, calling the claims "baseless, misleading and without any factual foundation."

In a press statement , the union said that its attention had been drawn to a viral social media video and media reports quoting Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi and Assamese Youth Forum general secretary Akash Saikia, who allegedly blamed the flooding on a "Dikhu Hydro Electric Project" and mining activities in Naginimora area.

The union categorically stated that no hydroelectric dam or reservoir exists in Mon district. It stated that the Dikhu Hydroelectric Project remains only a proposal listed by the Central Electricity Authority and has never been constructed or commissioned. "Therefore, the allegation that floodwaters were released from a dam is entirely baseless," the statement read.

The KU also rejected claims that illegal coal mining in Naginimora contributed to the floods.

According to the union, the flooding originated in the higher hill ranges of Mon district after exceptionally heavy rainfall and cloudburst-like downpours on July 19 and 20 triggered widespread landslides, flash floods and overflowing rivers and streams. The floodwaters subsequently reached Naginimora and Tizit, it stated.

The union maintained that attributing the floods to mining activities was not supported by available evidence.

Recalling the scale of the disaster, the KU said the natural calamity claimed 11 lives, displaced more than 650 families and caused extensive damage to homes, schools, shops, agricultural fields, tea gardens, businesses and livestock. Road connectivity, electricity supply and communication networks across the district were also severely disrupted.

"It is deeply unfortunate that such allegations have been made at a time when the people of Mon district are recovering from one of the worst natural calamities in the district's recent history," the union stated.

The KU further urged public representatives and organisations to verify facts before making statements that could create misunderstanding or strain the long-standing cordial relations between the people of Assam and Nagaland.

It also cautioned against politicising natural disasters, stressing that any inquiry into the causes of flooding should be based on scientific evidence and technical assessments by competent authorities rather than speculation.