Nagaland MLA Achumbemo Kikon on September 3 raised concerns in the Assembly over alleged oil survey and drilling activities in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB) along the Nagaland-Assam border. Kikon questioned whether the reported activities near Lio Woka Oil in Wokha district had received approval from the Nagaland government. He also urged authorities to verify the site and halt the work until the border dispute is resolved. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton said the situation along the border is now under control.
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Key Facts
- Location: Disputed Area Belt, Nagaland-Assam border
- District: Wokha, Nagaland
- MLA: Achumbemo Kikon
- Deputy Chief Minister: Yanthungo Patton
- Oil activity: Alleged survey and drilling-related work near Lio Woka Oil
- Border incident: August 25, 2026, at Mekirang/Negheribil
- Police case: Registered at Bhandari Police Station on August 27
- Court order: Gauhati High Court granted a 60-day extension on August 18, 2026
MLA Questions Oil Survey Activities
During the Assembly session, Kikon raised the issue under Rule 54 after receiving a representation from the Yanmhon Area Public Organisation.
The organisation reportedly objected to alleged oil drilling work by ONGC near Lio Woka Oil, close to Hayiyan village under Bhandari subdivision.
Kikon said the site falls within his constituency. Therefore, he asked the government to confirm whether the reported oil activity had received approval from Nagaland authorities.
He also urged the competent authority to inspect the location. Furthermore, he called for the government to keep the work on hold until officials resolve the matter under the tripartite MoU between Nagaland, Assam and the Centre.
Concerns Over Border Oil Resources
According to Kikon, the reported site lies around 500 metres from Lio Woka village. He alleged that ONGC and other oil companies had started surveys and identified possible drilling locations in the disputed belt.
The MLA expressed concern that continued exploration could lead to oil extraction from deposits that Nagaland claims fall within its jurisdiction.
Rubber Sapling Incident Sparks Fresh Tension
Kikon also raised the August 25 incident at Mekirang/Negheribil. Villagers from Longayim were travelling with rubber saplings supplied by the Rubber Board of India when Assam Forest Department personnel allegedly stopped them at a barricade.
According to Patton, a scuffle followed after people from the Assam side gathered at the location.
Later, Border Magistrates from both states reached the spot. After checking the purpose of the saplings, officials allowed the vehicle to proceed to Longayim village.
Two Village Leaders Allegedly Attacked
Patton told the Assembly that another confrontation occurred on August 26. People living near the evicted site reportedly gathered at the barricade.
During the incident, two Naga village leaders allegedly faced an attack after some people blamed them for the previous day’s confrontation. An office bearer of the Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation also allegedly suffered an assault.
Authorities advised the alleged victims to file an FIR. Subsequently, Bhandari Police Station registered a case on August 27.
Nagaland and Assam Activate Peace Mechanism
Following the incidents, the Wokha and Golaghat deputy commissioners held a joint meeting.
Nagaland officials stressed that authorities should not obstruct the movement of Naga villagers and the general public because the road serves as a lifeline for border communities.
The two administrations agreed to activate the Border Level Peace Committee. The mechanism aims to improve coordination, maintain peace and prevent further confrontations.
Patton told the Assembly that the situation is now under control.
Background of the Dispute
Patton also explained the background of the Negheribil/Mekirang dispute. A joint eviction drive took place on August 8, 2025. Authorities served eviction notices to 205 households and evicted 146 of them.
Officials kept the eviction of the remaining 59 households on hold after a court order. Later, the Golaghat district administration and Assam Forest Department issued fresh notices to those households.
However, the Gauhati High Court granted another 60-day extension through its August 18, 2026 order.
Patton said Nagaland continues to monitor developments closely and coordinate with Assam authorities. He added that future eviction or plantation activities in the disputed area should involve both states rather than proceed unilaterally.
Q&A
What did Nagaland MLA Achumbemo Kikon raise?
He raised concerns over alleged oil survey and drilling activities in the disputed border belt.
Where is the reported oil activity?
The reported site lies near Lio Woka Oil and Hayiyan village in Wokha district.
What happened on August 25?
A vehicle carrying rubber saplings to Longayim reportedly stopped at an Assam Forest Department barricade, leading to a scuffle.
Has the border situation returned to normal?
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton said the situation is now under control.
What will happen next?
Nagaland and Assam will use the Border Level Peace Committee to coordinate activities and prevent further clashes.
Location Context
The Nagaland-Assam border remains a sensitive area where disputes over land, access and administrative jurisdiction can affect local communities. Therefore, coordination between both states remains important for maintaining peace and protecting the movement and livelihoods of border villagers.
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