Both the Police forces of Nagaland and Assam have agreed to withdraw from their respective outpost in the Assam and Tzurangkong border area stated Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Y Patton during a meeting with Ao Senden, Tzurangkong Union, Northern Sumi Union and Tzurangkong Naga Youth Front at Chungtiayimsen under Mokokchung District on 30th July 2020. He stated that the Chief Ministers of both the States have agreed to withdraw their police forces and maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the border areas.   

The Deputy Chief Minister however stated that Nagaland State police will not withdraw from their outpost unless and until Assam police withdraw from their outpost. He stated that in the past agreements with Assam, both State police forces had agreed to withdraw from the border areas, however, Assam did not withdraw its forces and has in fact increased their number of outpost whereas Nagaland withdrew its forces. We will not make the mistake again, he stated. Patton also added that one should not test the patience of the Government of Nagaland or the Naga people even as he called on the people not to take law into their own hands but to approach the State Government and work together to solve the issue. He assured the meeting that he will be available for the people anytime  stated that the border issue is been taken up at the highest level for peaceful resolution. 

DGP Nagaland, John Longkumer, IPS appreciated the Tzurangkong range people for not taking the matter into their own hands and worsening the situation. He further stated that he has spoken with his counterpart in Assam on the issue of withdrawing forces along the disputed area. 

Commissioner Nagaland, Rovilatuo Mor, IAS stated that the difficulty faced by the people on economic blocked and harassment is being taken up in the Chief Secretary level of both the State and the Government machinery is working towards resolving the issues amicably. He also reiterated that physical confrontation should be avoided at any cost. 

Others who spoke at the meeting included Advisor Dr.Longrineken, DC and SP Mokokchung, President Ao Senden and President Tzurangkong Union. The meeting was chaired by ADC Mangkolemba. 

Earlier the Deputy Chief Minister along with DGP, Commissioner Nagaland, IGP (Range) and Joint Secretary Border affairs made an aerial survey of Vikuto village and Ao Senden village.

(Akummeren Jamir, IA)