The Konyak Union has rejected allegations that the recent floods in parts of Assam were caused by the release of water from a purported “Dikhu Hydro Electric Project” dam in Nagaland’s Mon district or by alleged illegal gold mining activities in the Naginimora area.
In a press clarification issued on Friday, the apex Konyak organisation said there is no hydroelectric dam or reservoir in Mon district and described the claims as “baseless” and unsupported by facts.
The clarification followed the circulation of a video on social media and reports by a section of the media claiming that floodwaters in Assam were released from the alleged Dikhu dam and that illegal gold mining in Naginimora had contributed to the flooding. The Union also referred to statements reportedly made by Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi and Assamese Youth Forum general secretary Akash Saikia.
According to the Union, the Dikhu Hydro Electric Project exists only as a proposed project listed by the Central Electricity Authority and has neither been constructed nor commissioned.
“There is no hydroelectric dam or reservoir in Mon district. Claims that water was released from a Dikhu dam are entirely baseless, misleading and without any factual foundation,” the Union said in its statement.
Rejecting allegations linking illegal gold mining to the floods, the Union said its field assessment and available information did not support the claim that the flooding originated from the Naginimora mining area.
Instead, it said the floods were triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall and cloudburst-like conditions in the higher hill ranges of Mon district. The intense rainfall led to landslides, flash floods and overflowing rivers and streams, which later affected Naginimora and Tizit.
The Union said Mon district itself suffered extensive damage during the natural disaster following heavy rainfall on July 19 and 20.
According to the organisation, 11 people lost their lives, more than 650 families were displaced, and widespread damage was caused to homes, schools, shops, agricultural fields, tea gardens, businesses and livestock. It added that roads, electricity supply and communication networks across the district were severely affected, leaving thousands of residents facing hardship.
The Konyak Union criticised the circulation of what it called unverified claims, saying such statements were “irresponsible and insensitive” and could create misunderstanding and tension between the people of Assam and Nagaland.
“Natural disasters should never be politicised or used to promote speculative narratives without scientific evidence or official verification,” the statement said.
The Union stressed that any investigation into the causes of flooding should be based on scientific studies, technical assessments and findings by competent government authorities and expert agencies.
It also appealed to individuals, organisations, media outlets and the public to refrain from sharing unverified or misleading information, warning that those responsible for spreading misinformation that leads to any untoward incident could face legal action.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining harmony between the neighbouring states, the Konyak Union said it would continue working to strengthen the long-standing cordial and brotherly relationship between the people of Nagaland and Assam.
