Chumoukedima, Nagaland, February 15 (HBTV): The Lotha Students' Union has expressed surprise and disappointment at the All Assam Students' Union claiming the Ralan-Uriamghat Disturbed Area Belt area as part of Assam.    

The Lotha Students’ Union has issued a statement to the media in regard to the AASU’s claims.

The claimed area, the LSU said, falls under the Government of Nagaland’s recognised village of Wochan and Lishayan in Wokha district of Nagaland and vice-versa Khuraghat and Haldhibari under Golaghat district in Assam, which is disputed between the two states.   

‘The matter has been filed in the Supreme Court and the case is being discussed in the court for proper boundary demarcation and likewise the favor may be placed in either way. But until then, the LSU appeals to any individual or union to stop from commenting one sided opinions,’ it stated.   

'The two neighboring state has a long standing border dispute; the Oil and Natural Gas Cooperation’s drilling activities was taking place in the said DAB area. Wherein, the exploration or development taking place in the area should be given consent by both the parties and carried out under the watchful eyes of the neutral forces i.e., CRPF.’   

However, the LSU stated, the ONGC or the Assam government failed to seek the consent of the government of Nagaland and the landowners, which led to escalation, threatening the interest of the common people residing in the area.      

The LSU also condemned the action of the ONGC and demanded that all developmental work taking place in the area without the consent of the parties should be halted immediately. Necessary steps for the pursuance of the matter should be taken into account in the interest of both the parties, the LSU stated.  

The LSU has acknowledged the effort of the Border Magistrate of Ralan, government of Nagaland and expressed support to his action to curb the situation.  

The Lotha students have urged the government of Nagaland to take up the issue with seriousness and to bring about necessary modalities to control such incidents in the future.