Kohima, Aug 6: Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along on Thursday called for greater cooperation between Nagaland and Assam in dealing with floods and other natural disasters, urging both states to focus on collective solutions rather than blaming each other.
His remarks come amid a controversy over allegations that illegal mining activities in Nagaland contributed to the devastating floods that affected parts of Upper Assam.
Responding to the issue, Along said the Nagaland government had taken note of the concerns raised by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and expressed confidence that the chief ministers of both states were in communication over the natural calamity.
He pointed out that Nagaland had also suffered extensive damage due to the recent spell of heavy rainfall, including landslides, collapsed bridges, damaged houses, loss of lives and disruption to livelihoods.
Stressing the need for a coordinated response, Along said the two neighbouring states should avoid attributing blame and instead work together to address the challenges posed by natural disasters. He added that the Nagaland government was examining the matter and that it was expected to be discussed during the state Cabinet meeting.
The minister’s remarks came after organisations in Nagaland, including the Konyak Union, rejected allegations linking mining activities in Mon district to the recent floods in Assam.
Responding to the Konyak Union’s stand, Along said elected representatives should act responsibly and refrain from making statements that could inflame public sentiments. He emphasised that public representatives were elected to serve the people, alleviate their suffering and promote harmony rather than deepen divisions.
Along also expressed solidarity with the people of Assam, saying Nagaland understood the pain caused by the disaster and continued to pray for the well-being of flood-affected communities in the neighbouring state while seeking similar concern for the people of Nagaland.
On environmental conservation, the minister said the Nagaland government remained committed to afforestation and biodiversity protection. He noted that the Forest and Environment Department was continuing plantation drives across the state and said logging was largely prohibited, with timber being used primarily by local communities for essential livelihood needs.
Reaffirming the state’s environmental goals, Along said the government would continue working towards making Nagaland a climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable and biodiversity-rich state.
