Residents on Edge as Tigers Roam Near Assam Villages

Residents of Kaliabor, Assam, are facing growing anxiety as two Royal Bengal tigers have been spotted near local villages. In response, authorities have imposed movement restrictions to prevent potential conflicts between humans and wildlife. The prohibitory order, issued by the local administration, aims to safeguard both the public and the tigers, which have strayed from the Kamakhya Reserve Forest. With reports of one tiger allegedly killing a local villager's cow, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid restricted areas. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife interactions in regions close to forest habitats.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 11, 2026, 14:48 IST

Concerns Rise in Kaliabor Over Tiger Sightings

A file photo of a tiger roaming in Kaliabor.

Raha, June 11: Residents of Kaliabor in Assam are experiencing heightened anxiety following the sighting of two Royal Bengal tigers near villages adjacent to the Kamakhya Reserve Forest. In response, local authorities have enacted restrictions on public movement in several areas deemed vulnerable.

Following reports of the tigers' proximity to human habitats, the Kaliabor co-district administration has implemented a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This measure aims to restrict public access to specific locations as a safety precaution.

The order, issued by Raj Baruah, the Co-district Commissioner of Kaliabor, prohibits public movement from 2 PM to 9 AM in areas extending from Silghat Kamakhya Temple to Kamakhya Gaon and Sonari Gaon.

Additionally, the restrictions encompass sections of the No. 2 garden of the Kaliabor Tea Estate, Naga Pathar, and the newly built Public Works Department road linking Trishuldhari Temple Road and Silghat Jute Mill.

Officials emphasized that these actions are crucial to reduce the likelihood of human-wildlife conflicts, given the recent tiger sightings.

"We are taking all necessary measures to prevent the animals from entering residential areas. We advise the public to avoid using this road unless absolutely essential and to stay alert," stated a forest official present at the scene.

While the prohibitory order applies to the general public, government officials performing official duties are exempt from these restrictions.

Forest department staff have been assigned to monitor the tigers' movements, which are suspected to have wandered from the Kamakhya Reserve Forest into populated areas.

Bikash Sarma, the District Information and Public Relations Officer, noted that the prohibitory order will remain effective until further notice from the administration.

Authorities have cautioned that any breach of this order could lead to legal repercussions under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

The recent tiger sightings have heightened fears among locals, especially after one of the tigers reportedly killed a cow belonging to a villager on Wednesday.

"The tiger took my cow yesterday. They have been spotted here before, then vanished for a month or two. Now they are back again," recounted a local resident.

Officials are urging the community to refrain from entering the restricted areas, stay vigilant, and promptly report any tiger sightings to forest authorities.

This situation has once again highlighted the increasing challenges of human-wildlife interactions in regions bordering forested areas, with authorities focusing on ensuring public safety while also protecting the wildlife.