Amid growing tensions at the Merapani Seed Farm, a government agricultural land located on the border of Nagaland and Assam, Nagaland MLA Achumbemo Kikon reached the spot on Wednesday. After reaching there, he took stock of the condition of the farm. Recently, there was a protest by the workers working here and there were also reports of some migrants claiming rights over the land. It is being told that tension is constantly increasing between the local tenants and the immigrants of Assam on this agricultural land spread over 1300 acres. Both the parties are claiming ownership or tenancy rights on this land.
MLA showed strictness regarding the seed farm
Reaching the spot, MLA Achumbemo Kikon said in clear words that the Merapani Seed Farm is completely the property of the Nagaland government and no illegal person or tenant has any right over it. He said in a warning tone that illegal migrants from Assam and local tenants cannot claim even an inch of this land. Kikon was accompanied by officials of Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation (LLRPO), Lotha Lower Range Students Union (LLRSU), 7th Nagaland Armed Police, local police and border magistrate during the visit.
Demanded government to reacquire the farm
MLA Kikon appealed to the state government and the agriculture department to immediately cancel all the rent or lease contracts issued to local and outsiders. He said the government should regain control of the entire land and develop it as a major agricultural hub for the state. Kikon expressed the possibility of making it the “rice bowl” of Nagaland and said the land could increase the agricultural production capacity of the state manifold. He said the area should be fully secured and protected in the interest of farmers.
Emphasis laid on border security and protection from encroachment
Achumbemo Kikon directed the agriculture department to get strong fencing done around the entire perimeter of the Merapani Seed Farm to prevent any kind of illegal occupation in future. He said that if this land is not protected in time, the state may face a huge agricultural loss. He told the officials that this is not just an issue of land but it is a matter related to the honour, security and economic development of the state. The MLA made it clear that no political pressure or external interference can change the ownership of this land.
