The Assam-Nagaland border is feeling renewed tension, but the issue, this time, is purportedly connected to oil palm. Recently, on September 15 and 16, the State Seed Farm in Merapani (Marachu), Wokha, faced demonstrations from locals on the Assam side claiming to be farmers expressing apprehension over the Nagaland Agriculture department undertaking an oil palm plantation project in the Seed Farm. The protest may have stopped for the time being, however, the threat of renewed agitation hangs in the air.

Deputy Director, incharge of the seed farm, Lawrence Zeliang, on September 19, told a section of the media that the recent protest saw a group of people gathering and chanting slogans. While the protest was purportedly over the risks posed by oil palm plantation on the environment, accord

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