Nagaland, Assam jointly decided on eviction along inter-state border: Kikon

Morung Express NewsPatkai | October 23The Nagaland and Assam governments have jointly decided to evict alleged illegal immigrants settled along the inter-state border, including in forest areas, Advisor to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and Food Processing, Achumbemo Kikon said on Friday.Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the valedictory session of the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) Collegiate Meet 2026 at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), Kikon said the move was being undertaken with the knowledge of both state governments to address recurring problems in the border areas.“There are illegal immigrants settled in the border areas and because of which there used to be a lot of problem within Assam and Nagaland,” he said, adding that those settled in forest areas along the border would have to leave.Kikon said the move was intended to foster peaceful and cordial relations between the original inhabitants of Assam and the Naga people.On stalled Noklak road projectsMeanwhile, Kikon appealed to the Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU) to engage in dialogue over two stalled road projects in Noklak district, following the union’s launch of the first phase of agitation by closing down the office of the Executive Engineer, Roads and Bridges (R&B), in Noklak on October 23. The agitation stems from the union’s demand for clarification on the status of the Chendang Saddle–Pangsha Road (Phase II) and the Noklak–Thonoknyu Road via Sanglao. The KSU had sought a detailed, documentary-backed explanation from the department over the prolonged delays, reported stoppage of work and circumstances surrounding the projects’ reported closure. Kikon clarified that he had not raised a specific question on either project during the last session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Rather, he said, his concern was the non-execution of projects despite receiving sanctions from the Central government.He attributed the delays to the failure to issue work orders on time and the inability of executing agencies, including contractors and firms awarded tenders, to complete projects within the stipulated period.Kikon said funds allocated to projects that remained unexecuted were being returned to the concerned Central ministries, resulting in a loss for the state and called for collective responsibility in ensuring timely implementation.Appealing to the KSU to pursue the matter through dialogue, he said, “I would request and appeal to the agitating group to kindly come forward. We will sit across the table and find out the best possible option.”On situation in Manipur Commenting on the situation in Manipur and demands for the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kapgen, Kikon said the NPF’s Manipur unit functioned under the party’s central leadership in Kohima, with its decisions having the concurrence of the central office.Describing the situation in Manipur as unfortunate, he said people continued to suffer amid killings and violence.Kikon referred to appeals by the NPF central office and Chief Minister and NPF president Dr Neiphiu Rio urging that no harm be inflicted on Kuki people held in the custody of Naga groups, despite what he described as extreme provocation.He said the demand for Kapgen’s resignation was linked to the position she held in the government and her husband’s association with one of the factions involved in the conflict. Kikon questioned the contradiction between holding a government position and being associated with a group seeking a solution outside the established system.He appealed to all communities in Manipur to engage in dialogue and work towards a peaceful resolution.2028 elections On reports that the BJP’s Nagaland unit was seeking to contest all 60 Assembly seats in the 2028 elections, Kikon said it was too early to comment on the NPF’s electoral arrangements.He described the NPF as a regional party focused on Naga interests, welfare and identity, adding that decisions on the number of seats it would contest would be made collectively at the appropriate time.“The party can only decide, but any political party can say anything. All these decisions will come only at the right time,” he said.