Protests Erupt Over Assam-Nagaland Border Dispute
Tensions Rise Along Assam-Nagaland Border
Locals and members of local organisations gather in Uriamghat
Jorhat, June 23: Recent tensions along the Assam-Nagaland border have led to significant protests in Uriamghat and Mariani, where local residents, student groups, and various organizations are urging both state governments to take immediate action to protect the security and livelihoods of those in the disputed areas.
In Uriamghat, around 18 organizations collaborated with local citizens in a large public meeting to address ongoing border conflicts and their effects on daily life.
The assembly resulted in three key resolutions, including a call for a swift and lasting resolution to the long-standing Assam-Nagaland border issue and a memorandum to be submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah via Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Participants also advocated for a tripartite meeting that would include representatives from both the Assam and Nagaland governments, as well as local organizations, to prevent future disputes and foster peace in the region.
A public meeting in Uriamghat. (AT Videos)
Local resident Ananta Gogoi, representing the organizers, expressed that those living near the border have faced uncertainty for many years and are increasingly frustrated by the ongoing disputes.
“The Assam-Nagaland border issue has been unresolved for years and is currently before the Supreme Court. While we hope for a judicial resolution, residents continue to experience recurring tensions. We urge both governments and community representatives to collaborate and find a practical solution for peace and security,” he stated.
The protests included road blockades in parts of Mariani and Uriamghat, causing disruptions in vehicular traffic between Assam and Nagaland.
Numerous vehicles were reportedly stuck on the Mariani-New Sonowal and Mariani-Mokokchung routes due to protesters blocking roads, demanding protection from alleged encroachments and intimidation.
Gogoi highlighted that the Assamese and Naga communities have historically maintained close social and cultural relationships and encouraged both sides to engage in dialogue instead of conflict.
“The Assamese and Naga communities here are not adversaries. We have coexisted as neighbors for generations. While differences may arise, conflict should not define our lives,” he added.
Women at the gathering also called for increased focus on security and stability, arguing that development efforts would be ineffective without lasting peace.
Meanwhile, the Assam Tea Tribes Students' Association (ATTSA), Mariani branch, organized a separate protest and submitted a memorandum addressing what they described as rising intimidation in border regions.
Members of ATTSA during their roadblock stir. (AT Videos)
The association urged the Assam government to ensure that development projects in border areas proceed without hindrance and to take decisive measures to protect local communities.
An ATTSA representative criticized what he described as years of governmental inaction, stating that the concerns of border residents have not received sufficient attention despite repeated requests for political and administrative solutions.
“The ordinary people living here are the biggest victims of this prolonged dispute. Their security, livelihoods, and futures remain uncertain. We need a clear and permanent resolution rather than temporary fixes whenever tensions arise,” he remarked.
Both protests shared a unified demand for structured dialogue involving the Assam government, Nagaland government, and representatives of affected communities.
The organizations warned that if significant actions are not taken soon, larger democratic movements could emerge across the region.
These protests follow recent tensions in Mariani, where road repair work was reportedly halted by a group from Nagaland claiming ownership of the land where the project was taking place.