Nagaland deputy chief minister Y. Patton has dismissed as “baseless and unfounded” allegations on why he wasn’t present at the Assam-Nagaland border during recent eviction drives by Assam government and also questioned his commitment to the ongoing eviction drive.
In a statement, Patton pointed that a video clip was being circulated “to create a false impression” about his role in the issue. He reiterated that since the very beginning of the recent developments, he had been actively engaged and was constantly monitoring the situation.
Patton pointed out that on July 24, 2025, he had personally visited Ralan area in Wokha district to assess the situation first-hand and held a public meeting at Liphayan village in the presence of 40 Bhandari A/C MLA Achumbemo Kikon, district administration and police officials.
Patton said community members expressed concerns regarding the deployment of additional forces during the meetings.
Patton said on the same day, he also held a coordination meeting at Niuland to review the situation there.
Patton maintained that the governments of Assam and Nagaland were working in close coordination and cooperation to ensure smooth execution of the eviction drive, with both administrations and law enforcement agencies committed to maintaining peace, order and the rule of law.
He also expressed appreciation to the chief ministers of Nagaland and Assam for successfully executing the eviction drive.
Patton, however, slammed an allegation broadcast by a local TV journalist allegation that neither he nor the state government officials had visited the border areas.
Patton said such accusations were “baseless and unfounded”, and urged media houses and journalists to exercise due diligence and verify facts from official sources before publishing such reports.
He cautioned that unverified claims could mislead the public and risk creating unnecessary confusion and tension and therefore reminded that responsible journalism was critical in upholding transparency and public trust.
While appreciating the media for its continued support, Patton said it was also expected that the media uphold accuracy and objectivity in reporting on matters of public interest.
KPC condemns: Close on the heels of deputy chief minister in-charge of home, Y.Patton castigating a TV journalist at a programme in Wokha district on August 23, for carrying a report wherein it questioning the DyCM for not visiting the border area where eviction was being carried out; Kohima Press Club (KPC)has taken exception to the berating of the TV journalist.
In a statement, KPC termed it as “unbecoming of a deputy CM to rebuke a member of the media while delivering a public speech”. KPC also said the DyCM not only questioned the reporter for doing his/her job but also singling out the journalist by asking him/her not to sit in front or to come to the area when he (Patton) was present.
KPC termed this as a “dictatorial behaviour” of targeting reporters for carrying out their duty. KPC maintained that it was the fundamental duty of journalists to question and seek the truth while providing fair and comprehensive accounts of events.
Expressing deep distress at the verbal abuse meted out to a fellow journalist in full public view and on record, KPC appealed that a conducive atmosphere be ensured for journalists to carry out their duties without fear or intimidation.