Guwahati, Oct 14 : The simmering tension at Merapani along Assam-Nagaland border in Assam’s Golaghat district appears poised for a reprieve with Nagaland agreeing to shift out an armed battalion of its police force from the border.
The armed battalion of Nagaland Police has already started moving out of the border today following the Assam government’s intervention.
The battalion was shifted to the border much earlier following skirmishes between the two states. Assam Police personnel were also based at the border at that time, but had later moved out after normalcy was restored.
The disputed areas along the inter-state border, including Merapani, are guarded by neutral forces.
Mounting tension at Merapani for over a fortnight had seen Assam’s Border Area Development minister Siddique Ahmed and state Home Secretary GD Tripathi visiting the area earlier this week.
They had assured of taking up the issues with the neighbouring government and ensuring safety of the border residents.
Accordingly, the battalion of the Nagaland Police is being shifted out following meetings between officials of the two states.
A disputed taxi stand, allegedly set up by Nagaland inside Assam territory, has not be moved after both states agreed that it was set up on a disputed stretch of land and not on land belonging to either state.
Tension has been mounting in Merapani area following reports of alleged encroachment by Nagaland.
Reports had claimed that Naga people were setting up residences in the area, with the tactic support of their government.
The Nagaland government was also accused of setting up offices inside Assam territory.
The two states have border disputes at several places and skirmishes are often reported from such areas.
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