The Commissioner Nagaland is the ex-officio Director of the department of border affairs. The State of Nagaland Shares a long Inter-State and International border measuring 1033 Kilometres. It shares 512 Km with Assam, 242 Km with Manipur, 64 Km with Arunachal Pradesh and 215 Km of International Border with Myanmar. In order to look after the Inter-state and International Border, the Department of Border Affairs was first established on 9thJune, 1983 headed by an Advisor and Ex-Officio Secretary, Border Affairs to deal with the border related issues with the neighboring States of Nagaland. It started functioning as a Directorate from 10th March 2006, under the Administrative control of Commissioner, Nagaland as its Ex-Officio Director comprising both the Secretariat Staffs and Field Level Officers under a single line of Administration. The Directorate was further strengthened and allowed to perform the functions of the Secretariat w.e.f. 21/8/2006.
The Directorate of Border Affairs was created with the following functions and objectives:-
- To look after the Inter State border disputes and other related problems with neighboring States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.
- To look after the maintenance of Indo- Myanmar boundary Pillars adjoining the State under the supervision and directive of the Government of India.
- To co-ordinate with various developmental agencies of the Government in carrying out plans, schemes and programs along the Inter-State and International border areas.
- Collection and compilation of old records, documents and maps on the border areas and preparation of history sheet of the boundary disputes.
- Maintenance of peace and promotion of sense of security amongst the inhabitants of the border areas.
The Department is functioning under two tier systems. At the State level, the Secretariat-Cum-Directorate of Border Affairs function as the apex and nodal agency of the Department to co-ordinate with Head of Department in the State and Government of India on all issues pertaining to its border. At the District level, respective Deputy Commissioner assisted by the Border Magistrates and concerned Administrative Officers of the circles and Sub-Division co-ordinate and supervise the border areas and keep the Department informed of all happening in their respective Districts.
The main function of the Department of Border Affairs is to study the historical facts, collect and compile old records/documents and maps on border related matter and to appear before any court or commission in regard to border related issues for the State of Nagaland. Towards this, the Department has established a “Record Repository- Cum- Library” containing a number of rare books, documents & Maps of great importance and sensitive in nature, which are preserved and maintained.
At present, the Department of Border Affairs is primarily confined to Assam-Nagaland boundary issue which is sub-judice in the Supreme Court of India on the basis of a Civil Suit filed by the Government of Assam in the year 1988.
In order to maintain peace and tranquility in the disputed border areas, Border Peace Co-ordination Committee (BPCC) have been formed in all the districts bordering Assam comprising of representative from both the States, which is purely voluntary. To create conducive atmosphere and for maintaining peace and harmony among the people of Nagaland and Assam, frequent meetings of the Border Peace Coordination Committee are being held. Cultural and sports programs are also being organized in almost all the Sectors of the disputed border areas.
Apart from the main duties and function, the Department of Border Affairs also undertake some minor developmental works to provide basic amenities to the Naga Villages in the border areas.
Accordingly, the Department has started providing basic minimum infrastructure in the disputed border areas, like Border Magistrate Office buildings, Staff Quarters, Border Rest House, drinking water and road connectivity in phased manner, which are not covered by any other Development Department. These civil works are being executed by the Executive Engineer, CAWD, under Commissioner’s Establishment and monitored by the Department of Border Affairs.
To ensure better co-ordination and effective monitoring of the Border Areas, Border Cells have been established at Deputy Commissioner Offices of Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Wokha, Mon, Longleng & Peren district, which shares border with the neighboring States. Necessary office equipments like computer sets, cameras, laptops, GPS and motor bikes had been provided. Establishment of 3 (three), more Border Cells at the District sharing International Border is under process. Border meetings are being held with the counterpart at different levels from time to time.
The Department is presently manned by the following Officers and Staffs:-
- Commissioner, Nagaland & Ex-Officio Director.
- Additional Secretary & Ex-Officio Additional Director
- Under Secretary
- Border Magistrates.
- Joint Director.
- Deputy Director
- 2 (two) Assistant Directors.
- 1 (one) Record Keeper.
- 3 (three) Consultants.
- 1 (one) Steno Grade III
- 4 (Four) Ministerial Staffs
- 2 (two) Grade IV Staff.
Incumbency Position of Commissioner, Nagaland/Ex-Officio Director of Border Affairs
| SL NO | NAME | FROM | TO |
| 1 | Shri. T.N. Mannen, IAS | 01.05.03 | 10.12.07 |
| 2 | Shri. Toshi Aier , IAS | 11.12.07 | 22.04.08 |
| 3 | Shri. H.K. Khulu, IAS | 23.04.08 | 19.02.10 |
| 4 | Smti. Banuo Z. Jamir, IAS | 19.02.10 | 31.01.14 |
| 5 | Shri. Temjen Toy, IAS | 01.02.14 | 26.07.14 |
| 6 | Shri. Toshi Aier, IAS | 27.07.14 | 30.09.14 |
| 7 | Shri. C.J. Ponraj, IAS | 01.10.14 | 31.12.14 |
| 8 | Shri. Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS | 01.01.15 | 02.05.18 |
| 9 | Shri. M. Patton, IAS | 02.05.18 | 30.04.20 |
| 10 | Shri. Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS | 01.05.20 | 02.09.20 |
| 11 | Shri. Rovilatuo Mor, IAS | 03.09.20 | 31.10.23 |
| 12 | Shri. Abhijit Sinha, IAS | 01.11.22 | 06.12.22 |
| 13 | Shri. Kesonyü Yhome, IAS | 07.12.22 | 29.01.23 |
| 14 | Shri. T. Mhabemo Yanthan, IAS | 30.01.23 | till date |
List of Officers Designated under Department of Border Affairs
| SL NO | NAME & DESIGNATION | YEAR |
| 1 | Shri. L Limsong, IAS Secretary & Ex-Officio Addl. Director | 2006 – 2019 |
| 2 | Shri. A. Robin Lotha, NCS, Deputy Secretary | 2014 – 2014 |
| 3 | Shri. Temsuwati Longkumer, NCS, Under Secretary | 2012 – 2017 |
| 4 | Shri. T. Yanpvuthung Kikon, NCS, Deputy Secretary | 2014 – 2016 |
| 5 | Smti. Nungsangmenla Imchen, NCS, Deputy Secretary | 2017 – 2019 |
| 6 | Shri. L. Jamithung Lotha, CS, Addl. Secretary/Ex-Officio Addl. Director | 2019 till date |
| 7 | Smti. Zuring Madeliang, NCS, Under Secretary | 2019-2022 |
| 8 | Shri. Tsutsowe Kupa, NCS, Under secretary | 2022- till date |
List of Officers Designated under Directorate of Border Affairs
| SL.NO | NAME & DESIGNATION | YEAR |
| 1 | Shri. A.K. Das, Deputy Director | 2006 – 2007 |
| 2 | Shri. Neisakholie Angami, Deputy Director | 2006 – 2013 |
| 3 | Shri. Shetovi Sema, Joint Director | 2006 – 2014 |
| 4 | Shri. S. Toniho Sema, Joint Director | 2006 – 2017 |
| 5 | Shri. P. Yikishe Zimo, Joint Director | 2007 till date |
| 6 | Dr. Tali Ao, Deputy Director | 2015 till date |
List of Advisor/Consultant
| SL.NO | NAME & DESIGNATION | YEAR |
| 1 | Shri. A. K. Das, Retd. Deputy Director, Consultant | 2007 – 2016 |
| 2 | Shri. V. Sekhose, Retd. IAS, Advisor | 2015 – 2016 |
| 3 | Shri. Chubawati Ao, Technical Consultant | 2009 – 2010 |
| 4 | Er. Vekheto Naki, Technical Consultant | 2010 – 2012 |
| 5 | Shri. Lenkhohao Hangsing, Technical consultant | 2012 – 2015 |
| 6 | Shri. R. Nzanbemo Lotha, Legal Consultant | 2015 – 2018 |
| 7 | Dr. Sentikumla, Legal Consultant | 2018 – 2020 |
| 8 | Shri. Himanshu Acharjee, Consultant (Survey) | 2017 – till date |
