RANPO calls for restraint amid Assam-Nagaland border tensions

Ralan Aghunaqa Naga Public Organisation (RANPO) has appealed to the public, particularly residents of border areas, to exercise patience, wisdom, and restraint as the long-standing boundary dispute between Nagaland and Assam remained unresolved.
In a press release, RANPO president Mughavi Awomi and general secretary CS Ovung noted that despite multiple rounds of discussions and negotiations between the two state governments, the issue continued to be under legal consideration before the Supreme Court of India.
It said both states were engaged in dialogue aimed at arriving at a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution.
RANPO clarified that ongoing developmental activities on both sides of the border were being undertaken with prior approval and authorisation from the respective state governments, strictly within their current administrative jurisdictions.
The organisation stated that purpose of those developmental initiatives was to improve the lives of the people.
RANPO emphasised that such developments should not lead to misunderstanding, tension, or confrontation between the people of Nagaland and Assam. It urged the people, especially those in border villages, to respect the existing administrative jurisdictions and act with maturity and responsibility during this sensitive period.
Further, RANPO highlighted concern that some individuals from the Assam side were reportedly protesting against the village gate at Shokhevi Village, which bears the inscription “Niuland District.”
It said that those protesters have allegedly issued warnings that the gate would be removed if not taken down by March 7, 2026, and have threatened to block the main road connecting Chungajan to Dimapur if their demands were not met.
In this regard, RANPO affirmed that Shokhevi village fell under the administrative jurisdiction of Niuland district, Nagaland. As such, it said the village authorities and concerned bodies hold the legitimate right to erect a gate bearing the name “Niuland District,” in line with local administrative norms and the authority vested by the district administration.
The organisation has, therefore, asserted that until the boundary dispute was officially resolved through due legal and administrative processes, all sections of society must prioritise peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding.
At the same time, the organisation warned that should any untoward incident or disturbance arise from the Assam side that threatened the peace and security of people under Nagaland’s jurisdiction, the concerned authorities and individuals responsible would be held accountable.
RANPO reiterated its call for unity among all sections of society to maintain stability, respect, and cooperation in the border areas.