Naga encroachments in Upper Assam could be a step towards formation of 'Greater Nagalim', claims Congress MLA

MARIANI: Rupjyoti Kurmi, the Congress MLA who represents the Mariani Constituency in Upper Assam, has strongly condemned Naga encroachment on Assam land in his home Constituency. The MLA has stated that this encroachment might be a part of the 'Greater Nagalim.' The formation of a 'Greater Nagalim' (bringing all the Naga-inhabited areas together) is one of the key demands of the Naga stakeholders engaged in peace talks with the Government.

"This encroachment is perhaps the Nagas claiming Greater Nagalim on Assamese soil on the directions of PM Narendra Modi who has promised them the same. If that indeed is the case, we will not stay quiet," Kurmi said.

"Where did they get the courage to construct bridges, electricity posts, roads, and camps on Assamese soil? Even as Mizo miscreants have caused a nuisance to Assamese citizens at the border, Nagas too are encroaching on Assamese soil. Did the Government that promised the protection of jati, maati, bheti do so to win elections only?" Kurmi further added.

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Meanwhile, tensions continue to escalate along the Assam-Nagaland border in Jorhat district over alleged Nagas encroachments on Assamese soil.

On Wednesday last, Naga security personnel had set up a camp in the protected Disou Valley area in Mariani, triggering tensions in the area. Although Jorhat officials made them vacate the camp on Monday, a camp has again been set up.

Taking stock of this, the Assam Government officials have asked the Nagaland officials to evict the camp by November 12. However, the However, Nagaland officials have shown no sign of letting up and continue to stay on in the camp. In response to this, the Assam officials have also erected a camp near the Naga camp to "scrutinize" the camp.

"They say that they will remove the camp within the next 2-3 days. We are suspicious as to what they are doing, therefore we have also set up a camp here. Police officials will be present here at all times. If the area is not vacated, we will eventually have to take sterner measures." a police official said.

"This is a disputed territory, and until the Supreme Court passes an order, no state can claim it as its own. Therefore, construction is absolutely prohibited in these areas," another Assam official informed scribes.

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