Nagaland Government Examines Plan for Nine New Police Outposts on Assam Border
In a significant development for border security, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton announced on Thursday that the state government is actively examining the matter of setting up nine new police outposts in border villages along the Assam-Nagaland border. The announcement was made during the concluding day of the eighth session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima.
Response to MLA Query on Border Security
Deputy CM Patton, who also serves as the minister in charge of border affairs, was responding to a question raised by MLA Achumbemo Kikon. Kikon inquired about the current status of border security measures, specifically highlighting the need for enhanced police presence in the region.
Patton detailed the historical context, noting that Nagaland had withdrawn all police outposts from the border areas following the 1972 Interim Agreement. In contrast, he pointed out that Assam has since established 63 permanent police outposts along the shared border, creating a disparity that the Nagaland government is now seeking to address.
Specific Concerns Raised by MLA Kikon
MLA Achumbemo Kikon raised specific issues regarding the Tchunjanphen and Lio-Longchym/Longayim police outposts on the border. He appealed for the deployment of additional police personnel to bolster security in these sensitive areas.
In response, Deputy CM Patton informed the assembly that a temporary police outpost has already been set up in the area to address immediate concerns. He further assured that a proposal to establish a permanent outpost is under process and will be taken up at the earliest opportunity.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
The plan to establish nine new police outposts is part of a broader strategy to enhance security and governance along the Assam-Nagaland border. This move is expected to:
- Improve law enforcement capabilities in remote border villages.
- Address the historical imbalance in police presence compared to Assam.
- Provide better protection for local communities and prevent potential conflicts.
The Nagaland government's examination of this matter underscores its commitment to strengthening border infrastructure and ensuring the safety of its citizens. Further updates on the implementation timeline and specific locations for the new outposts are anticipated as the proposal progresses through official channels.
