“The affected people in the border areas need to be consulted and should mutually agree for any resolution of the conflict. Forceful demarcation of the boundary line against the wishes of the people would only invite the wrath of the people,” said Naga Hoho
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
Naga Hoho has asserted that the Government of India’s recent proposed demarcation of the Northeastern states’ boundary line through satellite imaging will not be viable or acceptable to the people without taking the indigenous people into confidence first.
“The affected people in the border areas need to be consulted and should mutually agree for any resolution of the conflict. Forceful demarcation of the boundary line against the wishes of the people would only invite the wrath of the people,” Naga Hoho stated in a release on Tuesday.
While appreciating the constitution of a high-powered committee on border affairs under the chairmanship of the chief minister of Nagaland, the Naga Hoho urged the committee to expedite the matter and bring about a permanent settlement, which shall ultimately usher in peace, development and progress in the region.
“Every society or community is defined by a distinct boundary line drawn either traditionally inherited or drawn out of Administrative convenience with the consent of the people, whereas the Assam – Nagaland border is in conflict due to arbitrary demarcation by the then British government without the prior informed consent of the people. The then Naga occupied areas were not included in the creation of new Nagaland state which has led to incessant conflict over the borders”.
The Naga Hoho also contended that imposition of the state’s will on the people has only invited conflict rather than peace and tranquility in the region. If only India is serious and has political will, the issue would be resolved once and for all, it added.
The various Interim Agreements between the Government of Assam and Nagaland with special reference to the Interim Agreement of 1972 must be reviewed in the best interest of the two states, the Naga Hoho asserted, while it regretted that, both the states particularly Assam, have literally failed to uphold the agreements and therefore, there has been continuous volatile situation in the border areas.
“To arrive at a long lasting solution and to have a mutual relationship between the Naga people and Assam, historical accounts must be taken into account. The age-old relationship can be revived and strengthened only when the historical facts are placed in the right perspectives”.