Nagaland Group Challenges Assam's Eviction Drive, Claims Disputed Land

Itanagar, India Aug 23, 2026 ALN: The proposed eviction of 59 families from No. 2 Negheribil along the Assam-Nagaland border in Golaghat district has triggered fresh tension after a Nagaland-based organisation claimed that the disputed land falls within Nagaland. This situation is not just a local dispute but highlights the complexities and historical issues surrounding the Assam-Nagaland border, which has been a source of contention for decades.

The Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation (LLRPO) asserted that the area falls under Lugayum and Mikirang villages in Nagaland and urged the Nagaland government to intervene against what it described as a unilateral eviction drive by Assam. The claim made by the LLRPO is rooted in a long-standing belief among some Nagaland residents that certain areas along the border belong to them. This belief is often supported by historical narratives and documentation, which the LLRPO claims to possess, indicating that some current residents had purchased land in the area legally.

This assertion has drawn strong reactions from residents and organisations in Assam, who rejected it outright and accused the Nagaland-based organisation of attempting to interfere in Assam’s affairs. The tension is exacerbated by the fact that border disputes in the region often evoke strong sentiments, with residents feeling a deep connection to the land they have inhabited for generations.

Raju Narah, the village head of No. 2 Negheribil, stated that families had been living in the area since the 1960s. "Since 1960, our forefathers have been living here. How can it be Nagaland’s land? I was born here and grew up here, so this is our land. Just because they claim it does not make it theirs," Narah said. This sentiment is echoed by many residents who view the eviction as an infringement on their rights and a challenge to their historical claims to the land.

The dispute centres on an eviction drive initiated by the Assam Forest Department against alleged illegal settlements in the area. In 2025, eviction notices were reportedly served on 205 families, following which 146 families were evicted. The remaining 59 families approached the court, temporarily halting further eviction proceedings. This legal intervention reflects the complexities of land ownership and the rights of individuals versus governmental authority in the region.

Following court directions and subsequent legal procedures, the district administration and Forest Department on August 16 announced steps to issue notices, carry out demarcation, and proceed with further action concerning the remaining settlements. The announcement has reignited tensions, as the families facing eviction are now in a precarious position, caught between the legal framework and the claims of the LLRPO.

The LLRPO’s latest claim has added a fresh dimension to the long-standing sensitivities surrounding the Assam-Nagaland border. The border dispute has historical roots, dating back to colonial times when the boundaries were drawn without consideration for the ethnic and cultural identities of the people living in the area. This has led to a situation where different communities feel a sense of entitlement over the same lands, resulting in conflicts that have persisted for generations.

Reports by Nagaland-based media outlets on the organisation’s demand have also triggered anger among residents of Merapani and several Assam-based organisations. Many residents feel that the claims made by the LLRPO are not only unfounded but also a direct threat to their livelihoods and way of life.

A leader of the TMPK rejected the LLRPO’s claim, asserting that the residents had been living on the land for generations. "They claimed it is their land. That is false because we were born here and grew up here. This is the land of Assam," the TMPK leader said. This strong rebuttal is indicative of the broader sentiment among Assamese residents who feel that their rights to the land are being undermined by external claims.

The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) also strongly objected to the claim. AJYCP leader Nikunj Medhi questioned why the organisation had not raised the issue when the eviction was carried out in August 2025. "Where were they when the Assam government carried out the eviction on August 8, 2025? They did not say anything then. They cannot suddenly come forward and claim the land as theirs," Medhi said. His comments highlight a common frustration among residents who feel that the LLRPO's claims are opportunistic and lack historical basis.

He also questioned whether land purchased by people from Nagaland in Guwahati would subsequently be claimed as part of Nagaland, warning the organisation against what he described as baseless claims. This rhetorical question underscores the potential for escalation if such claims are allowed to gain traction, as it could lead to further disputes over land ownership across the region.

The implications of this dispute extend beyond the immediate eviction of families. It raises questions about land rights, governance, and the role of state authorities in managing inter-state disputes. As both Assam and Nagaland navigate their respective claims and the rights of their citizens, the situation serves as a reminder of the need for dialogue and resolution mechanisms that can address the historical grievances and current realities faced by communities on both sides of the border.

As tensions continue to simmer, it remains crucial for both state governments to engage in constructive dialogue to prevent further escalation of the conflict. The situation calls for a balanced approach that respects the rights of individuals while also addressing the broader historical context of the Assam-Nagaland border dispute. Only through mutual understanding and cooperation can a lasting resolution be achieved, ensuring that the rights and livelihoods of residents are protected and respected.