Alleged Coal Mining Links in Nagaland Under Scrutiny After Assam Floods

Alleged links between insurgent groups and coal mining operations in Nagaland have come under renewed scrutiny following the devastating July floods in upper Assam. Security sources claim some militant groups have financial interests in the coal trade, complicating enforcement efforts. Environmental studies and official reports have also warned that unchecked rat-hole mining and stone quarrying near the Assam border have caused severe ecological damage, with local residents blaming these activities for worsening the recent floods. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said any action on mining inside Nagaland would require intervention by the Centre.