Advisor for SCERT & Food Processing, Achumbemo Kikon on September 3rd , 2026, drew the attention of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly to the issue of “Border Tension and Illegal Crude Oil Survey and Drilling in the Disputed Area Belt” during the 9th session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Kikon highlighted concerns surrounding the recent tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed among the Governments of Nagaland, Assam and India for the survey, exploration and extraction of crude oil and other minerals in the disputed area belt.
He said that sections of the Naga community had expressed concern and opposition to the proposed activities despite the signing of the tripartite MoU. At the same time, he pointed out that on the Assam side of the disputed area, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) had reportedly commenced survey activities and was even identifying possible drilling locations.
Kikon cautioned that if such activities continued unchecked, oil deposits falling within Nagaland’s jurisdiction could potentially be exhausted, including through inclined or directional drilling from the Assam side.
Deputy Chief Minister, Y. Patton, responding to a query raised by Advisor, Achumbemo Kikon on the steps taken by the government to address the recent tensions along the Assam-Nagaland border, stated that the situation escalated following confrontations between villagers and people from the Assam side on August 25th and 26th 2026. He said that on August 25, a scuffle reportedly broke out after Assam Forest officials stopped a vehicle carrying saplings meant for plantation at Longayim village. Border Magistrates from both states subsequently visited the spot and assessed the situation. Another confrontation occurred on August 26, when a group of Meri/Mising people protesting near the barricaded area allegedly attacked the Chairmen of Longayim and Lio-Longchum villages, accusing them of being responsible for the previous day's incident. The Joint Secretary of the Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation was also allegedly assaulted. The protesters later dispersed following discussions with Assam officials, Patton said.
Patton informed that DC Wokha held a joint meeting with the DC Golaghat and officials from both sides at the 142 CRPF Camp, Sector D, Merapani following the incidents. Subsequently, a Border Level Peace Committee was activated to strengthen coordination, maintain peace and prevent further confrontations. The Minister assured that the situation is currently under control and that the State Government is according top priority to the issue, while closely monitoring developments in the Disputed Area Belt.
He stated that the district administrations of Nagaland and Assam are maintaining active coordination to ensure the safety and security of Naga villages and residents and similar incidents of confrontations that occurred on 25th & 26th August 2026 are not repeated. He further emphasized that appropriate mechanisms would be put in place to ensure that future eviction or plantation drives are undertaken through proper coordination between officials of both states, avoiding any unilateral action.
LEGISLATURES DISCUSS PROTECTED AREA PERMIT (PAP) REGIME IN NAGALAND ON THE 2nd DAY OF NINTH ASSEMBLY SESSION
On the second day of the Ninth Session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly held at NLA Hall, Kohima on 3rd September, 2026, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along has urged the Government of India to reconsider the reimposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Nagaland, stating that the move could have serious implications for tourism, investment and the state’s socio-economic activities. Along recalled that the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, was initially applicable to states including Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland. He noted that the PAP requirement was relaxed in Nagaland from January 1, 2011, initially for one year and subsequently extended.
He said the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, through an order dated December 17, 2024, reinforced the PAP regime in Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. Along said the reimposition of PAP has been a matter of concern, particularly for the tourism sector, investment and the entry of foreign visitors into the state. He maintained that Nagaland, despite sharing an international border, has remained a peaceful state and should not necessarily be treated in the same manner as neighbouring states that have faced different security and refugee-related challenges.
“Security and integrity of the country are our concerns too,” Along said, while appealing to the Centre to consider certain modalities that would allow the Nagaland Government to regulate and facilitate the entry of foreign tourists and visitors.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of Nagaland’s Christian heritage and churches, stating that restrictions on foreign visitors can affect religious and cultural activities. Referring to difficulties faced by foreign visitors during major events, including the Hornbill Festival, he said such incidents had hurt the sentiments of the people of Nagaland.
Along further invoked Article 371(A) of the Constitution, saying that the special constitutional provision recognises and protects the state’s unique heritage, culture and customary practices. He appealed to the Centre to give Nagaland “a good chance” by reconsidering the PAP regime and allowing the State Government to take a greater role in managing foreign visitors.
Expressing confidence in the Centre State relationship, Along said Nagaland and the BJP led Union Government have maintained a political partnership for more than two decades and expressed hope that the Centre would positively consider the concerns of the state.
He said Nagaland, known as the “Land of Festivals” and blessed with rich cultural heritage and a talented human resource, has significant potential in tourism and other sectors if the concerns surrounding the PAP regime are addressed.
Advisor, Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu Kense said that, Nagaland has proved to be one of the safest place specially for women, a peaceful state which has emerged as an increasingly important destination for tourism, culture, investment entrepreneurship and international engagement, however, she was concerned that the Nagaland has been portrayed poorly in the eyes of the main land through some negative narrators, which has a great impact on the side of the investor to invest in Nagaland and hamper the development of our State. On the other hand with the restoration of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime it has created impediments to the growth of international tourism, investment, business engagement and international partnerships in the State, therefore, she urged the august house and expressed her desire for the relaxation/withdrawal of the PAP regime.
MLA, Naiba Konyak, participating in the discussion urged the Government of India to completely withdraw the PAP requirement from the state. He said Nagaland has its own unique circumstances and expressed concern that continued restrictions on foreign visitors could adversely affect the state’s tourism and broader development prospects.
