The Konyak Union has rejected allegations linking the recent floods in parts of Assam to the release of water from a purported “Dikhu Hydro Electric Project” dam in Nagaland’s Mon district or to alleged illegal gold mining activities in the Naginimora area, describing the claims as baseless and factually incorrect.
In a press clarification issued on July 31, the apex Konyak body stated that no hydroelectric dam or reservoir exists in Mon district and asserted that claims suggesting floodwaters were released from a Dikhu dam were “entirely baseless, misleading and without any factual foundation”.
The Union clarified that the Dikhu Hydro Electric Project remains only a proposed project listed by the Central Electricity Authority and has neither been constructed nor commissioned.
The clarification followed the circulation of a social media video and reports by a section of the media that allegedly attributed the flooding in Assam to the purported release of water from the proposed project and to illegal gold mining in Naginimora. The Union referred to statements allegedly made by Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi and Assamese Youth Forum general secretary Akash Saikia.
Rejecting the alleged connection between gold mining and the floods, the Konyak Union said its field assessment and available information did not support the claim that the flooding originated from the Naginimora mining area.
According to the Union, exceptionally heavy rainfall and cloudburst-like downpours in the higher hill ranges of Mon district triggered widespread landslides, flash floods and overflowing rivers and streams, which subsequently affected Naginimora and Tizit.
The organisation said Mon district itself suffered extensive damage following unprecedented rainfall on July 19 and 20. It claimed that the disaster killed 11 people, displaced more than 650 families and caused widespread destruction to houses, schools, shops, agricultural fields, tea gardens, businesses and livestock. It added that road connectivity, electricity and communication networks were severely disrupted, leaving thousands of residents affected.
Describing the circulation of unverified claims as “irresponsible and insensitive”, the Union urged public representatives and organisations to verify facts before making statements that could create misunderstanding, panic or disharmony between the people of Assam and Nagaland.
It further stated that natural disasters should not be politicised or used to promote speculative narratives without scientific evidence or official verification, adding that any inquiry into the causes of flooding should be based on credible technical assessments by competent authorities and expert agencies.
The Konyak Union also appealed to individuals, organisations, the media and the public to refrain from circulating unverified or misleading information. It warned that those responsible for spreading misinformation could be held accountable under the law if such claims resulted in any untoward incident.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining harmony, the Union said it remained dedicated to strengthening the long-standing cordial and brotherly relationship between the people of Nagaland and Assam.
