Naga Hoho (NH) Tuesday called for reviewing various Interim Agreements signed between governments of Assam and Nagaland with special reference to Interim Agreement of 1972 “in the best interest of the two states.”
NH through its communication cell expressed regret that both the states particularly Assam had “literally failed” to uphold the agreements leading to “continuous volatile situation in the border areas.”
NH said that every society or community was defined by a distinct boundary line drawn either traditionally inherited or drawn out of administrative convenience with the consent of the people.
However, the hoho said that Assam-Nagaland border was in conflict due to arbitrary demarcation by the then British government without the prior informed consent of the people.
It said that the then Naga occupied areas were not included in the creation of new Nagaland state, which led to incessant conflict over the borders.
NH maintained that imposition of the state’s will on the people had only invited conflict rather than peace and tranquility in the region. “If only India is serious and have political will, the issue would be resolved once and for all,” the hoho asserted.
Further, NH stated that the decision of the government of India to demarcate boundaries of the North Eastern states through satellite imaging would “not be viable or acceptable to the people.”
If any border disputes were to be resolved, the NH said the indigenous people of the area must be taken into confidence first. It said that the affected people in the border areas needed to be consulted and should mutually agree for any resolution of the conflict.
“Forceful demarcation of boundary line against the wishes of the people would only invite the wrath of the people,” the hoho cautioned.
NH said that historical accounts must be taken into account to arrive at a long-lasting solution and have mutual relationship between the Naga people and Assam. “The age old relationship can be revived and strengthened only when the historical facts are placed in the right perspectives,” NH said.
Welcoming the constitution of a High Powered Committee on Border Affairs under the chairmanship of the chief minister of Nagaland, the NH has urged the committee to expedite the matter and bring about a permanent settlement.