Nagaland Officials Address Border Oil Drilling and Clashes

Kohima: Nagaland MLA Achumbemo Kikon challenged the government on September 3 over reports of unauthorized oil drilling in the Disputed Area Belt. He cited a formal protest from the Yanmhon Area Public Organisation regarding ONGC activity near Lio Woka Oil, located just 500 metres from Hayiyan village in the Wokha district. Kikon demanded an immediate halt to all work until authorities verify whether the project complies with the tripartite agreement between Nagaland, Assam, and the federal government.

He warned that unchecked extraction threatens local resources. Kikon also pressed the Assembly on security concerns following an August 25 altercation at the Mekirang border, where the Assam Forest Department blocked villagers transporting government-supplied rubber saplings. Two village leaders and an official from the Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation were reportedly attacked during a subsequent standoff on August 26. Police filed a formal case at the Bhandari station on August 27.

Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton acknowledged the friction. He confirmed that officials from Wokha and Golaghat districts met to restore order and pledged to revive the Border Level Peace Committee. Regarding the volatile region, Patton noted that a joint eviction drive on August 8, 2025, cleared 146 of 205 households, while the Gauhati High Court protected the remaining residents with a 60-day stay on August 18, 2026. Addressing the Assembly, he stated, "The situation is now under control." The government intends to prevent further unilateral actions by maintaining direct communication with Assam officials.