Assam CM urges empathy for flood-hit Nagaland, says border issue will be discussed after crisis

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on July 31 said discussions on the flood-related concerns and the border issue involving Nagaland would be held after the immediate relief and rehabilitation efforts are completed, stressing that the focus must currently remain on supporting people affected by the disaster.

Speaking on the flood situation, Sarma said Nagaland, particularly Mon and Mokokchung districts, has also suffered extensive damage due to heavy rainfall and floods.

“At this stage, we cannot comment because Nagaland is also under flood. There has been tremendous damage in Mon and Mokokchung districts,” the chief minister said.

He underlined the need for compassion and cooperation among neighbouring states, saying Assam and Nagaland share geographical ties and must address any concerns through dialogue.

“We were made neighbours by nature, and we share geography. We will discuss what the issue is, how it happened and what the solution is. But there is a right time for it,” Sarma said.

The chief minister said Assam must also show empathy towards people affected by floods in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of the country. He noted that several states, including Odisha and Gujarat, were also facing flood-related challenges.

“While we are fighting the flood, we should have empathy for all the people across the country who are suffering,” he said.

Sarma indicated that a meeting with the Nagaland chief minister could be held in September or October, after the flood situation stabilises. He said satellite imagery and other technical data may provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances by then.

“Maybe in September or October, we can meet the chief minister of Nagaland and examine what is happening. By then, a lot of satellite pictures will emerge showing what was happening,” he said.

For now, the Assam chief minister said, the priority should be relief, rehabilitation and assisting flood-hit communities, adding that discussions on other issues would be taken up after the crisis subsides.