DIMAPUR, Nov 7 � Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang today reiterated that Assam-Nagaland border dispute should be settled amicably through people to people dialogue and mutual understanding as suggested by the Supreme Court.
Speaking at Tokhu Emong celebration in Wokha local ground, Zeliang said the Supreme Court has set December 3, 2014 as the deadline for both Assam and Nagaland to settle the dispute through mutual understanding between the two governments and people at the border. He had met his Assam counterpart Tarun Gogoi recently in this connection and apprised the later of his willingness to settle the dispute amicably through mutual understanding as suggested by the apex court. However, the Assam Chief Minister opted for settlement by court, Zeliang rued.
He said if the two States fail to settle the dispute before the expiry of the deadline set by the apex court, the issue will go back to the court and it will become uncertain when the settlement will be arrived at.
�If we hand over the case to court, we don�t know when the settlement will come. It may take another century again and unexpected situation will keep erupting anytime and people of the two States at the border will be the sole sufferers,� Zeliang said. Therefore, the shortest and best option will be settlement through mutual understanding, he opined.
Meanwhile, Zeliang applauded the Boro Kachari and Assamese Bihu dance troupes of Friendship Forum of Golahgat and Wokha district who participated in the Tokhu Emong celebration. The participation of the two dance troupes from Assam has rekindled the traditional bond of the Nagas and Assamese people, he said.
