Uriamghat, Aug 23: A planned collaborative tree planting initiative on recently cleared land within the disputed Rengma Reserved Forest, located along the Assam–Nagaland border in Golaghat, was unexpectedly called off on Saturday. This decision followed a private meeting involving officials from both states.

Assam's Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan, and Nagaland's Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton, along with two other MLAs, convened in Bidyapur, Uriamghat, to deliberate on the second phase of eviction and the proposed afforestation efforts. Forest workers had prepared saplings for both delegations, but after three hours of discussions, the leaders opted to cancel the event.

After the meeting, Patton addressed the media, stating, “We will keep the current situation unchanged in the area. The issue is still pending before the Supreme Court. Until a resolution is reached, no further afforestation will take place, and no new boundary markers will be established. Any existing fencing and markers will be dismantled.”

In contrast, Assam's Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary reiterated a strong commitment to the eviction process. He remarked, “Eviction efforts will persist, and both Chief Ministers will be informed about the results of today’s discussions. We anticipate they will make a conclusive decision. If the Supreme Court determines that the land belongs to Nagaland, we will accept that. Conversely, if it rules in favor of Assam, then it rightfully belongs to Assam.”

This development occurs amidst rising tensions in the border region, where alleged Naga miscreants have reportedly set houses ablaze, engaged in blank firing, intimidated picnickers, and even issued eviction notices to residents of Chetiagaon village. The local populace continues to experience anxiety due to the ongoing territorial conflict.

On August 9, tree planting activities commenced on the cleared land, amid claims of land grabs by residents from the neighboring state. Local inhabitants, along with officials from various departments, including the Forest Department, participated in the initiative, which aimed to plant approximately 15,000 saplings over nearly 60 hectares.

Additionally, the Gauhati High Court has placed an indefinite hold on the second phase of eviction scheduled for August 24, further complicating the situation.