Nagaland: RANPO slams ‘biased’ conduct of neutral forces in Ralan area

Ralan Aghunaqa Naga Public Organisation (RANPO) has expressed dissatisfaction and concern over what it described as the biased and partial conduct of the neutral forces stationed in the Ralan area.
In a press release, RANPO president Mughavi Awomi and general secretary CS Ovung expressed regret that a legitimately established petrol pump within Ralan jurisdiction under Wokha district in Nagaland had been opposed and restricted in its functioning by the neutral forces.
RANPO said that the “unexpected interference” has raised serious questions about the neutrality and fairness of the forces. It stated that petrol pump, set up within Ralan’s rightful administrative area, was essential for the welfare and convenience of the local population. However, RANPO alleged that the neutral forces instead of upholding neutrality appeared to be acting in a manner that supported the Assam side.
The organisation described “selective approach” as deeply troubling and unacceptable. RANPO said Assam has established several petrol pumps and other infrastructures in border areas over the years, but neutral forces did not intervene or restrict those activities. “The question that arises is: why is restriction being Imposed only on our side?” RANPO asked.
It maintained that such one-sided action not only fostered a sense of injustice among the people of the Ralan area but also directly contravened the spirit and provisions of the status quo agreement.
RANPO reminded that the role of the neutral forces was to maintain impartiality and prevent escalation—not to selectively target one side while remaining silent on similar developments by the other.
Further, RANPO asserted that true neutrality must be consistent and clearly visible in practice. It cautioned that any failure to act equally in comparable situations amounted to indirect support for one party, eroding trust and threatening the fragile peace maintained in the region over the years.
The organisation has, therefore, urged the responsible authorities to immediately review the conduct of the stationed neutral forces and ensure strict adherence to the status quo principles. RANPO demanded urged that justice, fairness, and genuine neutrality be upheld to preserve peace and mutual respect in the border areas.