Escalating Tensions at Assam-Nagaland Border: Residents Plan Major Protest

Tensions are escalating at the Assam-Nagaland border as residents of Chungajan prepare for a major protest against a gate allegedly installed by Nagaland authorities. Demonstrators have warned of a 12-hour blockade on March 7 if the gate remains. Local leaders express frustration over the lack of government response to their demands for the gate's removal and resolution of long-standing land issues. With previous protests yielding no results, the community is determined to take action, raising concerns about territorial control and safety in the region. The situation is particularly tense given the ongoing border dispute and recent incidents of violence affecting local families.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 4, 2026, 17:31 IST

Protests Intensify Over Border Dispute

Jorhat, March 4: Tensions have risen significantly along the Assam-Nagaland border as residents of Chungajan in Golaghat district ramp up their protests against a gate allegedly installed by officials from Nagaland's Niuland district.

Protesters have issued a warning that they will block crucial roads linking Chungajan to Dimapur for a duration of 12 hours on March 7 if the gate remains in place.

This gate, reportedly set up in Nabamilanpur village within the Chungajan area, displays the name of Niuland district and has sparked strong opposition from local residents who view it as an attempt to assert territorial dominance over Assam.

Demonstrators claim they have previously raised their concerns with the state government but have yet to receive a substantial response, even after nearly a month.

On February 17, residents organized a protest rally and subsequently submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister via the Deputy Commissioner of Golaghat district, demanding the immediate removal of the gate and intervention from the Assam government.

However, with no visible action taken, the protests have gained momentum.

During a demonstration on Wednesday, protesters in Chungajan burned tyres on the road and shouted slogans against what they perceive as encroachment. Tensions flared briefly when a demonstrator clashed with police present at the scene.

Local protest leader Dipen Gogoi stated that residents from Nabamilanpur and surrounding border villages have consistently urged the government to take decisive action regarding the issue.

“Our previous protest at Sarupathar was a clear message to the Assam government. We warned that the patience of those living in border areas should not be tested,” Gogoi remarked.

He accused the authorities of inaction, stating, “The gate marked ‘Niuland district’ still stands in Nabamilanpur. We have persistently called on the government through media and protests to address the border issue and safeguard the rights of local residents.”

Gogoi also highlighted that many residents in border villages are still waiting for land pattas despite years of requests.

“We have been urging the government to resolve longstanding land issues and provide pattas to those living along the border. Despite our repeated appeals, there has been no meaningful response,” he added.

Protesters expressed their frustration over the lack of progress in resolving the Assam-Nagaland border dispute.

Gogoi noted that the situation is particularly disappointing given that the BJP governs both Assam and Nagaland, as well as at the national level.

“Even after ten years of BJP rule and a so-called double-engine government, we have not witnessed any significant advancements in resolving the border issue,” he stated.

He also referenced recent violent incidents in the area, claiming that homes belonging to several families were set ablaze in nearby border villages.

“Just a month ago, houses belonging to around 95 families were reportedly burned in the border area. Now, a gate has been erected in Nabamilanpur marking the boundary, yet the Assam government has not taken decisive action,” Gogoi alleged.

As part of their next protest phase, demonstrators announced plans to block two major roads connecting Chungajan with Dimapur for 12 hours on March 7.

According to Gogoi, the blockade will occur from 6 am to 6 pm, coinciding with the Chief Minister's scheduled visit to Sarupathar in Golaghat district.

“We have resolved through today’s protest that on March 7, we will shut down the roads connecting Chungajan to Dimapur from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening,” Gogoi confirmed.

However, he clarified that essential services would remain unaffected.

“We will keep the roads open for ambulances and schoolchildren. All other traffic will be halted during the protest,” he stated.

Protesters also warned that if the authorities do not remove the gate by the deadline, residents will take matters into their own hands.

“If the Assam government and police administration cannot remove the ‘Niuland district’ name from that gate by March 7, then the people will go there and remove it themselves,” Gogoi warned.