WSH raises oil exploration, border & digital mapping concerns with CM

Sovima, October 17 (MExN): A delegation of the Western Sumi Hoho on Saturday called on Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and sought safeguards for local landowners in any oil exploration in Western Sumi areas, a permanent solution to the Nagaland-Assam border dispute along Niuland district, and correction of erroneous digital mapping of Naga villages.The delegation, led by Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) President Tokuho Suhoi Neho and comprising executive members, met Dr Rio at his private residence in Sovima and submitted a detailed representation on the grievances and concerns of the Western Sumi community, with particular focus on the newly created Niuland district, according to a statement issued by the WSH media cell.The Hoho said that while oil exploration holds potential for regional economic growth, “any resource extraction initiative safeguards the rights, land ownership, and future economic interests of the local indigenous inhabitants.” It stressed the need for “fair, transparent and community-centric” frameworks before proceeding with operational measures, the statement said.On the border issue, the delegation expressed concern over the long-standing dispute between Nagaland and Assam along the stretches adjoining Niuland district. The prolonged uncertainty, it said, “Continuous ramifications on the tranquility, security, and daily livelihood of the border villagers.” The Hoho urged the state government to take “assertive, proactive steps” towards an equitable and permanent resolution to the territorial controversy, ensuring the protection and security of native landholders.The delegation also drew the CM’s “immediate attention” to discrepancies in the Global Positioning System coordinates of several historic Naga villages in Niuland. It said various digital mapping tools and official location databases erroneously depict these recognised Naga villages as falling within neighboring districts of Assam.Terming this as an “alarming distortion” of administrative reality and historical identity, the WSH asked the state administration to coordinate immediately with national mapping agencies and other authorities to rectify the errors at the earliest.According to the statement, the CM gave the delegation a patient hearing and acknowledged the legitimacy and importance of the issues raised. He assured the WSH that the state government remains committed to safeguarding tribal rights, giving priority to border issues, and taking steps to resolve the technical anomalies concerning village demographics and geographical records.