RANPO oppose unilateral actions in DAB; seeks CM’s intervention

The Ralan, Aghunaqa Naga Public Organisation (RANPO) has expressed strong resentment over recent developments in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) along the Assam-Nagaland border, particularly concerning eviction zones currently occupied by Assam Police personnel.
In a memorandum to the chief minister, RANPO president Mughavi Awomi and general secretary C.S. Ovung, opposed the eviction and fencing activities allegedly carried out unilaterally by Assam authorities. It pointed out that although the chief secretary’s press communiqué described the eviction as a joint operation targeting illegal Bangladeshi immigrants (IBIs), ground reports indicated that the exercise was conducted almost entirely by Assam Police, with minimal involvement from Nagaland officials.
Following the eviction, RANPO stated that Assam authorities continued with plantation drives and fencing activities in the evicted areas, again without participation from Nagaland. The organisation termed these actions provocative and illegal, asserting that they violated the principle of maintaining status quo until the border dispute is amicably resolved.
RANPO further alleged that IBIs initially entered Naga land under the pretext of cultivation and, with support from Assam authorities, gradually encroached upon the territory. It claimed that such encroachments had led to violent clashes and the loss of Naga lives—incidents that must not be allowed to recur.
Expressing concern over the continued occupation of the evicted areas solely by Assam Police, RANPO stated that the absence of Nagaland police (NAP) or neutral forces had created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the local populace. It therefore demanded the immediate deployment of Nagaland’s security forces, specifically IRBn and NAP, to the affected areas. They suggested that joint deployment under neutral supervision was essential to prevent further encroachment, harassment, and conflict.
Recalling the Status Quo Agreements of 1972, 1979, and 1985, RANPO stated that while Nagaland withdrew its outposts from the DAB in accordance with the agreements, Assam failed to reciprocate. It demanded either the withdrawal of Assam Police forces or the restoration of Nagaland’s withdrawn NAP outposts.
RANPO therefore urged the state government to ensure that all boundary-related discussions are anchored in historical and authentic records. It also demanded dismantling of fencing erected unilaterally by Assam and strict enforcement of the Status Quo Agreements, including the withdrawal of Assam Police outposts from the disputed zone.
It cautioned that failure to safeguard the rights and security of the Naga people could result in untoward incidents, for which the State Government would bear full responsibility.