Nagaland’s ‘diamond’ dream shattered

Geologists have confirmed that the sparkling stones of Wanching village in Nagaland’s Mon district are not diamonds.

During the last few days, several hundred people have been camping near Wanching village along Myanmar border, trying to dig out ‘diamonds’.

A video on Thursday showing hundreds of tribal Naga villagers digging a small hill in the village to unearth “diamond” had gone viral on social media.

Also Read: Diamond-like stones found in Nagaland’s Mon dist

S Manen, director of Geology and Mining department of Nagaland on Thursday had entrusted four geologists to immediately visit Wanching village in Mon district, and unearth the truth behind the mass digging for diamonds.

The four geologists – Abenthung Lotha, Longrikaba, Kenyelo Rengma and David Lhoupenyi, on Friday undertook a detailed study at Wanching village.

After a thorough investigation, the team of geologists is of the opinion that the sparking stones are not diamonds.

From prima facie investigation, the geologists are of the opinion that the sparkling stones found by the villagers in Wanching are crystal stones.

The team of geologists is likely to submit a detailed report of the study on Monday, sources in Wanching told Northeast Now on Saturday.

Mon deputy commissioner Thavaseelan K. has also been closely monitoring the reports of ‘diamond’ digging in Wanching village.

Earlier, people of Nagaland were optimistic that the sparkling stones of Wanching village in Mon district of Nagaland could be diamonds.

According to an Indo-German study published in the journal Current Science, it was reported that “ophiolite” rocks found along the Indo-Myanmar ranges, may potentially hold “micro diamonds” – diamonds of small size, less than one millimeter.