Lotha bodies have raised concerns over the Nagaland-Assam border dispute, alleged illegal mining and the absence of border outposts in Ralan area.
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WOKHA — Mounting concerns over Nagaland-Assam border dispute, alleged illegal mining and the absence of border outposts dominated a joint meeting among the Lotha Students' Union (LSU), Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH) and civil society organisations from Ralan area on Friday.
The LSU and LYH undertook a joint tour of Ralan area in Wokha district and held consultations with the Ralan Area Lotha Hoho and the Yamhon Area Public Organisation.
Representatives of Lotha Lower Range Students' Union, the Joint Coordination Committee and local stone material supplier organisations also attended the meeting.
During the interaction, area civil society organisations apprised the two apex bodies of a range of grievances affecting residents of the border belt.
One of the major concerns raised was the prolonged Nagaland-Assam border dispute, particularly in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB).
The organisations expressed dissatisfaction over the recent joint eviction drive, alleging that Assam had not withdrawn the temporary armed forces deployed in the area following the operation.
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The CSOs also highlighted alleged illegal mining activities within the DAB, claiming that while Assam denied the existence of the disputed belt, Nagaland's activities in the area continued to face obstruction.
They further alleged that court directives to maintain status quo in the disputed areas were not being adhered to by the Assam authorities.
The organisations also flagged the absence of Nagaland Forest and Police outposts in the border areas, saying that the lack of government presence posed challenges to the safety and welfare of local residents.
They appealed to the LSU and LYH to take up the matter with the appropriate authorities.
Responding to the concerns, the LSU and LYH assured the gathering that all genuine grievances would be pursued with the departments concerned and the state government in the interest of the affected areas.