De-escalating tension between Assam- Nagaland; both states agree to withdraw forces from border

July 31: In a major breakthrough towards de-escalating tensions at Assam-Nagaland border, the two Chief Secretaries have arrived at an understanding to immediately withdraw states’ forces from border locations to their respective base camps. The minutes of the meeting was signed by Jishnu Barua, Chief Secretary of Assam and J Alam, Chief Secretary of Nagaland on Saturday.

A meeting was held on 31 July between the Chief Secretary of Nagaland and Chief Secretary of Assam in Dimapur, Nagaland with a view to de-escalating the tense situation prevailing in 2 locations in the Dessoi Valley Reserved Forest / Tsurangkong valley due to stand off between the armed police forces of Nagaland and Assam.

Both sides agreed that in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the areas around Ao Senden village and Vikuto Village as they are known in Nagaland, and known as Jankhona Nala / Nagajankha (26°36/ 52.9N 94°22’27.3E) and Compartment No. 12 (26°34/33.7N 94°19/05.9/E) respectively in Assam, urgent and effective steps are required for defusing the stand off between the security forces of Nagaland and Assam.

In this regard, it is decided by both sides that the security personnel of both states shall simultaneously move back from their present locations to their respective base camps. The simultaneous withdrawal of the security personnel shall begin immediately and shall be completed in the next 24 hours as far as possible. Nagaland and Assam shall monitor the area by surveillance using UAV and satellite imagery with a view to maintaining the status quo. The Superintendents of Police of the districts of Mokokchung (Nagaland) and Jorhat (Assam) shall ensure orderly withdrawal of their respective forces and shall be responsible for it in the instant case.

In a major breakthrough towards de-escalating tensions at Assam-Nagaland border, the two Chief Secretaries have arrived at an understanding to immediately withdraw states' forces from border locations to their respective base camps. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/mFbz1YCnoX

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 31, 2021

Commenting on this, Assam Chief minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “This is a historic step in our relations. My gratitude to HCM Sri Neiphiu Rio for working with Assam in restoring peace on the border. Assam is committed to ensuring peace along all its borders & strives for social & economic prosperity of North East region.”