KU urges govt to resolve border disputes before oil exploration

DIMAPUR, JUL 14 (NPN): Konyak Union (KU) has urged the state government to resolve long-pending border disputes and obtain the consent of landowners before proceeding with the proposed oil exploration in the Assam-Nagaland border region.
The demand was made following a meeting of the union’s advisory board council and executive council in Mon, which discussed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on oil exploration signed between the governments of Nagaland and Assam in New Delhi on June 11 in the presence of the Union Home Minister.
In a press release, KU president K Yamao Konyak and general secretary Wango Konyak urged the state government to provide clarity on disputed areas, particularly Tizit-Naginimora belt and the boundary between Longwa in Mon district and Pongchao in Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district, before implementing the agreement.
The union said resolving the boundary issues beforehand would help prevent future disputes and ensure a smooth implementation of the proposed exploration.
KU also urged the government to take into account the views, rights and consent of landowners before finalising any decision, saying their concerns must be addressed to ensure a fair, transparent and acceptable outcome.
Further, KU extended support to the stand taken by the Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation, which recently sought clarity on Disputed Area Belt (DAB).
The union also expressed concern over unresolved border disputes in Mon district and alleged inaccuracies in Google Maps, claiming the digital boundary did not reflect historically recognised ancestral boundaries between the Konyaks and the Ahoms of Assam.
It said a memorandum highlighting the issue had been submitted to the chief minister on September 3, 2024, but no response had been received.
According to KU, the incorrect mapping has created technical inconsistencies in official records and could potentially lead to confrontation between Nagaland and Assam, as well as between Konyak villages in Mon district and Wancho areas in Arunachal Pradesh.
KU expressed hope that timely government intervention would prevent conflict, reduce public confusion and strengthen public confidence.
It reaffirmed its commitment to work with the government to achieve a peaceful, just and lasting solution to the issue.
KU also reminded the state government of its representation submitted to the deputy chief minister in charge of home on July 12, 2025, seeking measures to strengthen border security and curb cross-border illegal activities.
Among its proposals were the establishment of police check gates and supporting infrastructure at Longwa, Chenmoho, Wangti and Monyaksho along the international border, as well as at Namthai and Hota Hoti along the Assam-Nagaland border. It also sought the construction of Wakching Police Station and Laukun Police Outpost buildings.