Kohima: Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton on Monday stated that the state government possesses no official information concerning the alleged establishment of Assam Police structures within the sensitive Disputed Area Belt (DAB). The statement comes amidst recent reports suggesting a unilateral presence by Assam authorities in the contested border region.
Addressing the issue, Patton, who also holds the Home portfolio, assured the public that the government would initiate a comprehensive verification process to ascertain the veracity of these claims. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and adhering to established protocols in the inter-state border areas, which have historically been a point of contention between the two neighbouring states.
The Disputed Area Belt has long been a flashpoint in the boundary dispute between Assam and Nagaland, with both states laying claim to various pockets of territory. Reports of new constructions or deployment by either side often escalate tensions among local communities residing along the border. The Nagaland government's commitment to verify these allegations is crucial for de-escalating potential friction and fostering dialogue.
Officials familiar with the border dynamics suggest that such developments, if proven true, could complicate ongoing efforts to find a lasting resolution to the decades-old boundary dispute. The verification process is expected to involve relevant administrative and security agencies to provide a clear picture of the ground reality and inform subsequent actions by the Nagaland government.