Kohima, March 20 (MExN): The government is adamant on settling the Nagaland-Assam border dispute through the institution of a boundary commission. The Additional Chief Secretary (Border Affairs) had on February 2006 undertaken lengthy discussions with the Advocate General, Nagaland and Senior Councils at New Delhi about possible merits in filing a suit against the Government of India for non fulfillment of the political promises, minister for border affairs Khekiho Zhimomi said.
He said that Nagaland is all out for an out of court settlement which will involve mutual understanding and formation of Boundary Commission. However, Assam government has filed a suit in the Supreme Court. “I do not know how it happened, we have vigorously pursued for the boundary commission, but the Supreme Court has not taken it seriously,” Khekiho said while adding that a local commission would not serve the interest of the Nagas.
He also said that the state government is in active consultation with the central government on the issue, but said that it is taking into consideration dragging the Government of India to court for non implementation of the political agreement. Replying to a starred question in assembly today, the minister said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has in a letter addressed to the Union Home Minister reiterated the demand for constitution of a Boundary Commission as contemplated by the Supreme Court. The Chief Minister in his statement on the floor of the Assembly on March 22 last year had also made an appeal to the Government of India and Assam for constitution of Boundary Commission, or if not, settle the long standing issue amicably.
