Kohima | Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along has called for a united response to floods and other natural disasters, urging Assam and Nagaland to work together instead of engaging in a blame game amid allegations linking mining activities in Nagaland to the recent floods in Assam.

Speaking on Wednesday, Along said both neighbouring states had suffered significant damage due to heavy rainfall and stressed the need for coordinated action to tackle the crisis.

“The Government of Nagaland has taken into consideration whatever the Chief Minister of Assam has conveyed. We are very sure that both chief ministers are in touch regarding the natural calamities,” he said.

Along noted that Nagaland had also experienced widespread destruction, including landslides, washed-away bridges, damaged homes, loss of lives and disruption to livelihoods.

“We cannot blame each other for anything. We have to take collective measures. The Government of Nagaland and the Chief Minister are considering all these issues,” he said, adding that the matter is expected to be discussed at the next state Cabinet meeting.

His remarks come amid a continuing controversy over allegations that illegal mining in Nagaland contributed to the devastating floods that affected several districts in Upper Assam.

The minister’s comments also follow statements by organisations in Nagaland, including the Konyak Union, which rejected allegations that illegal mining in Mon district was responsible for the flooding downstream in Assam.

Responding to the Konyak Union’s position, Along said elected representatives should exercise restraint and avoid comments that could inflame public sentiment.

“We are responsible people. We do not make comments here and there. We pray that our friends in Assam will also consider that we are chosen to serve the people and relieve their pain, not blame each other,” he said.

Emphasising the need for empathy and cooperation, Along said Nagaland stood in solidarity with flood-affected people in Assam while also seeking support for those impacted in his own state.

“We know how sentiments are hurt. Nagaland chooses to be responsible. We are a small state. We pray for the victims and the people of Assam in every way, and we hope the same for the people of Nagaland,” he added. On environmental conservation, the minister said the Nagaland government remained committed to afforestation and biodiversity protection.

He said the state’s Forest and Environment Department continues to undertake plantation drives, while logging remains largely prohibited, with limited use of timber permitted mainly for the livelihood and essential needs of local communities.

Along reiterated that the state government would continue working towards making Nagaland more climate-resilient through sustained environmental conservation and biodiversity protection efforts.