WOKHA, AUGUST 26 (MExN): The Lotha Hoho has urged all parties and the media to put to rest contentions regarding the conduct of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Home and Border Affairs, Y. Patton, during his inspection of the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) in the Ralan area.
In a statement, the Hoho expressed concern over comments by some journalists and press clubs about what they termed “unbecoming behaviour” by the Deputy Chief Minister on August 23. The Hoho said it appreciates the efforts of Patton, who holds the charge of Border Affairs, noting that he has been initiating steps for an amicable settlement of the imbroglio brought about by eviction actions carried out by the Assam government without proper coordination with Nagaland.
The Hoho highlighted that Patton personally inspected the DAB at Niuland and Ralan on July 24, followed by another visit on August 23. During these visits, Lotha Hoho representatives accompanied him in joint efforts to retain lands historically belonging to the Nagas and the Lotha tribe. The statement also noted that the Deputy Chief Minister held public interaction meetings and was reportedly displeased with reports from some journalists, which he claimed were unauthentic and based on hearsay.
“The Lotha Hoho is not trying to justify any of the contending parties but wants to put the comments and counter-comments at rest,” the statement read, adding that errors are common in public life and journalism. The Hoho urged all parties to stop making allegations and counter-allegations and focus on concerted efforts to settle the boundary dispute amicably, based on historical evidence and records. It also cautioned that any unilateral action by Assam could constitute contempt of court, as the matter is presently sub judice in the Supreme Court.
Supporting the Hoho’s stance, the Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) clarified that certain critical views regarding the Deputy Chief Minister’s handling of the border tension were erroneous. LSU highlighted that Patton had indeed visited the affected area twice, accompanied by MLAs Achumbemo Kikon and Y. Mhombemo Humtsoe, district administration, and police officials. Interaction sessions were conducted to address public grievances, attended by LSU representatives.
The union further noted that after the Deputy Chief Minister’s visits, a company of NAP (IR) was deployed in Ralan. He has since been coordinating with various authorities, including CSOs, Village Councils, district administration, border magistrates, and police departments. Recently, he held a joint coordination meeting with the Assam Minister of Forest and Environment, successfully appealing for the dismantling of stone pillars, removal of fencing, and halting of plantation drives, which was complied with by the Assam Forest Department.
LSU expressed disappointment over unverified media reports, particularly a local TV report on August 21 stating that the Deputy Chief Minister and state officials had not visited the affected areas. LSU clarified that the August 23 incident should not be construed as an attack on the media in general but as frustration over misinformation propagated by an individual. The union strongly condemned any attempt to slander the Deputy Chief Minister’s efforts and integrity and reaffirmed its support for his role in safeguarding Naga ancestral lands.
