Kohima: As a reaction to the escalating border dispute between Assam and Nagaland following the alleged abduction of two Assam tea garden labourers by Naga miscreants last week and injury to an Assam mla, an apex tribal body in Nagaland today announced launching of an indefinte blockade on the Mariani and Amguri highways connecting the two states from tomorrow.
In a statement, Ao Senden president Sangyu Yaden and General Secretary Tsupong Longchar condemned the May 24 incident and demanded ‘befitting punishment’ for the culprits and compensation for the loss of property.
Congress MLA from Mariani Rupjyoti Kurmi was allegedly assaulted by CRPF personnel on Friday when he had gone to Mariani police station to inquire about the alleged kidnapping of two tea garden labourers a day earlier from Naginijan tea estate in Mariani in Assam’s Jorhat district bordering Nagaland by Naga miscreants.
Kurmi’s supporters blocked the vital Mokokchong-Mariani road linking the two states in protest against the kidnapping. They went on a rampage, damaging several vehicles and gheraoed the police station before the CRPF personnel intervened. The CRPF had to resort to lathicharge to bring the situation under control and in the melee, the MLA sustained injury, police said.
The Ao Senden, apex body of the Ao Nagas, has also requested the Nagaland government to ‘create foothills from Dimapur to Mokokchung and set up village guards in the border areas’.
Appealing to people to extend support, the Ao Senden said the road blockade will remain in force till all its demands were fulfilled.
In a separate statement, Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner Murohu Chotso said the land that has created tension between Assam and Nagaland was ‘undisputed’ and traditionally belonged to Saringyim village within Nagaland, bordering Jorhat district of Assam.
It said that 64 acres of Saringyim Village had been given on lease to Naganijan Tea Estate based on terms and conditions. The fact was highlighted at the recent DC level border meeting, it added. (PTI)
