Assam-Nagaland Border Tensions Escalate Amid Protests

Tensions between Assam and Nagaland have escalated as various organizations in Golaghat staged a protest against a controversial notification from Naga village councils. The notification, which prohibits Assamese access to certain areas and imposes fines, has sparked outrage among local residents. Protestors are demanding the return of land, security measures, and the establishment of a permanent military presence. Concerns about the legitimacy of the Naga councils' orders were raised, with warnings of intensified agitation if authorities fail to act. This situation highlights the ongoing complexities of border disputes in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 29, 2025, 14:55 IST

Protests Erupt Over Border Disputes

Golaghat, August 29: Tensions along the Assam-Nagaland border have intensified once more, as various political groups and organizations in Golaghat came together on Friday for a three-hour sit-in protest at Merapani. They voiced their opposition to what they described as ongoing "aggressions and atrocities" perpetrated by Naga groups near the inter-state boundary.

This latest wave of unrest was triggered by a contentious notification from 11 Naga village councils, which barred Assamese individuals, livestock, and goods from entering certain areas of Nagaland, imposing a hefty fine of Rs 50,000 for any violations. This directive has incited outrage among local residents and organizations, who perceive it as an intimidation tactic against Assamese villagers on their own land.

The protest was led by several groups, including the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Bir Lachit Sena, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, Nari Mukti Sangram Samiti, and the Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuva Satra Parishad (AJYSP).

Demonstrators chanted slogans demanding the return of Assam’s land allegedly taken by Nagaland, the establishment of inter-state passes, and immediate security measures for Assamese residents in the conflict-prone area.

One protestor stated, "We are conducting this three-hour protest to advocate for the rights of Assamese people. Since the 1960s, Nagaland has committed numerous atrocities along the border, yet no lasting solution has been found—only political maneuvering. The recent notification from Naga councils threatens Assamese villagers with a Rs 50,000 fine for entering their traditional territories. The government must intervene immediately; otherwise, we will escalate our democratic movement."

Another protestor pointed out the worsening security conditions following the eviction at Uriamghat.

"Atrocities have surged since the Uriamghat incident. We reject the orders from Naga village councils. If they continue to issue such notifications, we will also take measures to protect ourselves. The government cannot remain passive. We demand the establishment of a permanent battalion camp here to ensure our safety," he asserted.

Leaders from Bir Lachit Sena raised serious concerns regarding the validity of the Naga councils’ notification.

"This notification was never presented to the border magistrate or the CRPF in Assam, so it cannot be recognized as an official government document. In the Bhandari subdivision of Nagaland, there are no tourist attractions to warrant such restrictions; it is primarily a center for illegal drug trade. How can they impose a Rs 50,000 fine for cattle straying across the border? A cow does not recognize borders. If that is the value placed on an animal, what does that say about the value of human lives?" a protestor from Bir Lachit Sena remarked.

Protestors collectively warned that if the Assam government and central authorities do not take decisive action, the agitation could escalate further.