Patton calls for status quo on border issue

Nagaland deputy chief minister and minister in-charge of home and border affairs, Y. Patton, on Saturday called for joint action and strict adherence to status quo by both Nagaland and Assam on the inter-state border issue, reiterating that the matter remains sub judice before the Supreme Court.
Patton made the statement during a high-level meeting convened in response to reports of pillar fencing and plantation activities initiated by the Assam government in the recently evicted area.
The meeting was attended by Assam’s minister for environment & forests Chandra Mohan Patowary, Biswajit Phukan (Sarupathar MLA), Nagaland MLAs Achumbemo Kikon and Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, senior officials, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, and political leadership from both states.
Following Patton’s intervention, the fencing pillars were removed. Although a joint plantation drive had been scheduled after the meeting, Patton objected and directed that all activities be halted, urging both sides to uphold the status quo until a final resolution is reached.
The meeting proposed initiating dialogue between the chief ministers of Nagaland and Assam to resolve the matter amicably outside the court. Patton lauded Assam chief minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for launching the eviction drive and assured Nagaland’s full support. He, however, cautioned against any action that could escalate tensions in the border areas.
Attributing the ongoing border encroachment to past political decisions, Patton stressed the need for vigilance against illegal migrants. Deputy CM also urged settlers and village leaders from both states to cooperate with authorities, saying government alone cannot resolve the issue without grassroots support.
Highlighting the historic bond between the Ahoms and Nagas, Patton said both communities have coexisted peacefully for generations. “We are your younger brothers. We have no issue with Ahoms; the problem lies with illegal migrants,” he stated.
Further, Patton called upon the CRPF deployed in the border areas to maintain neutrality and suggested regular inter-state meetings to foster cooperation and build trust.
Assam forest minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, in his address, downplayed the eviction drive as a “big issue” and emphasized that both states should focus on development. He warned that unchecked migration could spill into Nagaland and supported the call for maintaining status quo.
Patowary acknowledged Patton’s intervention in removing the fencing pillars and affirmed that the matter could be resolved through negotiation and mutual understanding.
Nagaland MLA Achumbemo Kikon recalled the age-old ties between Assam and Nagaland and advocated for peace. He noted that the Nagaland government and public had cooperated in the eviction drive, citing threats to local livelihoods. Kikon also raised concerns over alleged harassment by CRPF personnel stationed in the border areas and emphasized that as a neutral force, they must remain impartial. He called for an immediate halt to plantation activities in the disputed zone.
Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA, also echoed the sentiment and said that the cordial relations between the two states must be preserved and strengthened through dialogue and cooperation.
Biswajit Phukan, MLA, expressed appreciation to the Nagaland government for its continued cooperation in addressing sensitive border issues, including matters of doubtful citizenship and illegal settlements. He emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and economic collaboration, particularly in the area of mineral resources. Phukan noted that Assam, especially districts like Golaghat and Duar, depended on Nagaland’s tin reserves for industrial growth and urged Nagaland to facilitate access to these resources for mutual benefit.
Phukan also highlighted the harmonious presence of Naga communities in Assam and shared that a Naga candidate was nominated by the BJP in the recent Panchayat elections, reflecting Assam’s inclusive approach. He affirmed that Assam welcomes Nagas to live peacefully and pledged continued cooperation.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to unity, peace, and mutual respect between the two states.
Later, deputy chief minister Y. Patton held separate meetings with the public at Tchujanphen village under Ralan area and with the Western Sumi frontal organisations at Hukhai village under Niuland district to update them on the border issue and reaffirm the government’s commitment to protecting community interests.