Escalating Tensions at Assam-Nagaland Border: Residents Demand Action
Rising Tensions in Jorhat District
Jorhat, June 11: Tensions have surged once more along the Assam-Nagaland border, particularly in the Mariani area of Assam’s Jorhat district. This escalation follows reports of a new illegal settlement being formed by alleged armed Naga encroachers within the Dissoi Valley Reserved Forest. Local residents are expressing their fears that without government intervention, they may feel compelled to take up arms to protect their land.
The newly established settlement reportedly comprises around 15 houses, located close to the New Sonowal Forest Office and the Border Observation Post. This development comes after the earlier Vikto Akahuto settlement was created in the same reserved forest area, both of which locals assert were constructed by armed settlers from Nagaland. The settlers have even placed a nameplate indicating the area as part of their community, further escalating tensions.
This region has a history of violence. Nearly three years ago, Rupjyoti Kurmi, a current BJP MLA and former Congress member, was allegedly shot at by suspected Naga miscreants during a visit to the disputed Dissoi Valley. Despite the gravity of this incident, locals claim that the Assam administration has not taken significant steps to prevent further hostilities.
“The situation is worsening quickly,” remarked a local resident. “The Supreme Court has already stated that no man’s land in reserved forest areas cannot be occupied. Yet, Naga settlers are constructing homes daily, while Assamese residents face harassment and violence. It feels like we are under siege.”
He continued, “We do not seek violence. However, if the government continues to disregard our situation, we may have no option but to defend ourselves. We do not wish to break the law, but our lives and land are at risk.”
Residents have also reported instances of physical assaults and intimidation in surrounding areas, where Naga settlers are allegedly forcing Assamese families to leave.
“The inaction of the Assam administration is not only disappointing but also perilous. If this encroachment persists, our villages could vanish. If the authorities do not intervene soon, the situation may spiral out of control,” he added.
Despite numerous complaints, the Assam government has reportedly failed to provide adequate security or engage in effective diplomatic discussions with Nagaland to alleviate the crisis. Locals feel that judicial concerns have also been neglected.
As fear and anger mount among border communities, residents say they are compelled to stay awake at night to protect their homes from potential assaults. With rising tensions and no immediate signs of intervention, the fragile peace along the Assam-Nagaland border is on the verge of collapse.
Border residents have made a final appeal to the state government: “Engage with Nagaland, take decisive action, and restore peace, or we will have no choice but to resist.”