Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUN 12 (NPN): The Lotha Students’ Union (LSU), along with the Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH), Lotha Lower Range Students’ Union, Ralan Area Lotha Hoho, Lotha Lower Range Public Organization, Yammhon Area Public Organization, and the Joint Coordination Committee, convened a meeting on Friday at Liphayan Village Community Hall to deliberate on ongoing issues concerning the Lotha jurisdiction.
The meeting, which lasted for more than one and a half hours, reportedly discussed several sensitive agendas relating to the Ralan and DAB areas, particularly border-related tensions involving Assam and Nagaland authorities.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, LSU president S. Zubenthung Ngullie said that while various issues were deliberated upon, some matters would remain confidential for the time being due to their sensitive nature. Among the key concerns raised during the meeting was the alleged construction of temporary structures by the Assam Police in the DAP area. LSU maintained that such structures should be removed and replaced with a permanent camp to be jointly managed by the Nagaland Police and the Forest Department.
The union further stated that all agendas and grievances submitted by the concerned areas would be carefully reviewed before consultations are held with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). LSU informed that a formal public statement would be issued following further deliberations.
Border disputes and tensions in the Ralan area were identified as major concerns during the discussions. Representatives acknowledged that certain aspects of the matter were “confidential and complicated,” but assured that concrete steps would be taken in due course. On allegations raised from the Assam side regarding mining activities and claims of a “Hill Mafia” linked to the Nagaland side under the Amrit Sarovar scheme controversy, the representatives refrained from making detailed comments, stating that a formal clarification would be issued later through the media.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of unity among public organizations. LSU leaders observed that CSOs often possess a better understanding of ground realities than government departments and therefore play a crucial role as pressure groups to ensure accountability and effective governance.
Reiterating unity among the Lotha community, the leaders stated that there should be “no distinction between upper, middle, or lower Lotha,” and affirmed that they would approach all concerned MLAs on the issue.
The representatives further maintained that the Assam–Nagaland border issue has persisted for many years and referred to the Supreme Court directive to maintain status quo in disputed areas, particularly in Disputed Area Belt (DAB). They added that while elected MLAs have extended support, resolving the matter would require collective public participation and cooperation from CSOs.