Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton, while replying to a starred question on check gates in Dimapur during the sixth session of the 14th NLA on 6th March 2025 at Nagaland Legislative Assembly Hall, Kohima, stated that there are three designated check gates at the Nagaland-Assam border, namely Dellai Check Gate, New Field Check Gate, and Khatkhati Check Gate. He informed that an average of 77 heavy vehicles carrying essential commodities enters Nagaland daily through these gates, and no revenue is collected from them.
Supplementing the starred question, MLA, Naiba Konyak pointed out that despite the presence of numerous check posts in Nagaland, no revenue is being officially collected. However, he mentioned that some truck owners had informed him of paying Rs. 150 at these posts.
Responding to the issue, Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio clarified that check gates along national highways had been removed, and no entry fees were being collected since the introduction of GST, as payments are now made at the destinations. He stated that any collections being made were likely for penalties and fines. Dr. Rio further explained that the existing check gates serve law and order purposes, particularly for monitoring Inner Line Permits (ILP), the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), and other security concerns, and that illegal items are often seized at these points.
The Chief Minister also emphasized that heavy trucks should not be stopped in towns or highways unnecessarily. However, if vehicles exceed the permissible load limit, penalties should be imposed. He assured that the government would review the current status of check gates.
During the discussion on the starred question regarding the Free Movement Regime (FMR) raised by MLA, A. Nyamnyei Konyak, concerns were expressed over designated crossing points at Mon, Meluri, and Noklak, where Assam Rifles personnel, along with two police officers and two medical personnel, are to be stationed for checking.
MLA, A. Nyamnyei Konyak highlighted that his brother and other relatives reside on the Myanmar side of the border. He also pointed the unique situation in Mon, where the village chief (Angh) has his kitchen on the Myanmar side and his bedroom on the Indian side—a reality that has existed for centuries. He, therefore, opposed the construction of a border fence under the FMR.
MLA, P. Longon and others also voiced concerns about the fencing project, noting that in places like Pangsha and Longwa, people, animals, and livelihoods have traditionally coexisted across the border. Many villagers engage in trade and agricultural activities on the Myanmar side. Also, a suggestion was made to establish an administrative headquarters at Pangsha to facilitate the implementation of government policies.
Replying to the starred question put up by MLA, Achumbemo Kikon regarding the construction of Capital Road (Bypass Road from Dimapur and Kohima), Minister of Roads & Bridges, G. Kaito Aye said the reasons for delay in completion is due to litigation, alignment changes and forest clearance issues, landowner disputes and compensation demands, and Covid-19 pandemic.
With respect to the question on names of the firms the work has been allotted to, Kaito said Package -1 (0-11 km) and Package-III (23-34.17 km) has been allotted to Vilelie Khamo and Sons with a payment of Rs. 30.04 Cr. and 98.13 Cr. respectively, and Package –II (11-23 km) to M/s Coal Mines Associated traders with a payment of Rs. 100.99 Cr, Kaito further said that the expected date of commissioning of the bypass road is 31st March 2026.
With regard to the starred question raised by MLA, Nuklutoshi on the status of Dimapur Railway Station modernisation to world class railway station and its budget allocation of Rs. 283 crore, Minister, Health & Family Welfare, P. Paiwang Konyak replied that the required fund for the project, taken up by Amrit Bharat Station scheme, has been sanctioned by the Railway Ministry, and the tender formalities has been completed and is slated to be kickstarted by the month of March 2025. Regarding the steps taken by the Government for the encroachment of Railway Land at Dimapur, P. Paiwang Konyak stated that various steps have been taken, such as exploring the option of eviction by the Estate Officer, Northeast Frontier Railway as per PPE Act 1971 and the re-settlement plan is also being explored, however, the Railways expressed its inability to pay the compensation amounting to Rs. 132 crore (Preliminary Assessment). The land issue may jeopardize the proposed project, therefore, the Government of Nagaland and the NFR has decided to kickstart the project on the areas under the possession of the Railways which are free from encumbrances.
Replying to the supplementary questions raised by MLA Nuklutoshi as to whether the authority is yet to cancel the land pattas issued earlier and whether any eviction has been carried out, Minister Paiwang Konyak replied that the land pattas could not be cancelled as the land occupants approached the court and no eviction has been carried out as the cases are under litigation.
Minister P. Paiwang Konyak said spot verification has been carried out and land upgradation survey of the Dimapur Railway has also been carried out. The Department has decided that Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) should submit the list of encroachers along with the land patta documents and after the submission, a joint survey will be conducted, which will then be submitted to the State Government for further corrective course of action. Paiwang stated that in view of the prolonged occupation and its inability to protect the land, the resettlement plan proposed by State Government must be considered by the Railway authorities. With respect to the land issue, he said that to avoid further stalling of the project, the Railway and the Government of Nagaland decided to start work on the land currently unoccupied. In reply to issue related to Amguri-Tuli Railway, he stated that as of now, only goods are carried out, and NFR stopped carrying of passengers as it led to low revenue return.
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio stated that Article 371(A) has given protection to the Nagas in terms of protection of land. He lamented that the people have taken advantage of it and has created problems for themselves. On the issue of land compensation, he sought the cooperation of the landowners for a reasonable outcome. He suggested that resettlement would be a good option. He informed that the Tuli-Dimapur railway line was approved by the Ministry of Railways in 2011-12 and that the Ministry was willing to take up the project if land was provided free of cost. However, the people were willing to provide the land only if the foothill road was completed. Rio added that the State Government will take up the matter with the Ministry and also the people of the area for a positive outcome.
Replying to the starred question put forward by Y. Lima Onen Chang, MLA regarding the status of National Highway 202 and the reasons behind the delay in getting the project approved, Dy. Chief Minister, Minister in-charge of National Highways T.R. Zeliang replied that in accordance to the Approved Sanction Ceiling and Annual Plan for NH(0) works for the FY 2024-25 the department had submitted an estimate for widening of the existing single lane to a two lane road with a paved shoulder from Km 39 to Km 283 on NH 202 to the Chief Engineer , North East Zone, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and that further direction was awaited from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
MLA, Achumbemo Kikon also put forward a supplementary question as to whether there was any land disputes that was delaying the project to which the Minister in-charge of National Highways T.R. Zeliang replied that there was no land disputes as such and that all the land owners had agreed to be compensated as per the existing government rate
Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton, in a starred question on Free Movement Regime (FMR), replied that the Government of India has regulated the FMR between India and Myanmar through a letter dated 24th December 2024.
He stated under the new rules movement is restricted to 43 designated crossing points, requiring a Border Pass issued by Assam Rifles. In Nagaland, 9 border crossing points have been designated in four districts: Kiphire (3), Meluri (2), Mon (2), and Noklak (2).
He mentioned that Entry/exit is to be monitored by Assam Rifles, with two police personnel and two health officials deployed at each point. The Border Pass allows a single entry for up to seven days within 10 km of the Indo-Myanmar border.
He added that the Nagaland government is responsible for checking Myanmar nationals' border passes and addressing overstays or unauthorized activities. No work order has been issued for fencing along the Nagaland border.
The State Cabinet discussed the issue on 6th January 2025, and decided to request the Centre to continue the FMR, with the Chief Secretary formally communicating this to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Earlier, on 8th February 2024, the Cabinet had also urged the Centre to regulate movement in consultation with border residents and involve village councils in the process.
Chief Minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio replying to a supplementary question stated that the Free Movement Regime (FMR) is a very serious issue and explained the position taken by the government following the announcement of border fencing. He emphasized the need to appeal to the Home Ministry to review the Protected Area Permit (PAP) and the FMR, as the situation in Nagaland is not as severe as in some neighboring states.
He highlighted that due to the ongoing Nagaland political issue, the state remains under the Disturbed Areas Act and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). He suggested that all 60 members of the Assembly pass a resolution, meet with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and submit their concerns. While acknowledging that the Government of India may have apprehensions, he urged the state government to work diligently on the FMR issue.
(Atuzo, Mhonlumi, Thungbeni & Morotsung)
