Protests Erupt in Uriamghat Over Assam-Nagaland Border Tensions
Protests in Uriamghat
Uriamghat, Nov 4: Frustration boiled over in Uriamghat, located on the Assam–Nagaland border, as hundreds of locals took to the streets. They accused the Assam government of neglecting their land, forest resources, and safety amid ongoing incursions by suspected Naga insurgents.
The demonstration, which took place at the Uriamghat public bus stand playground, attracted a large crowd. Protesters carried placards calling for a "permanent resolution" to the longstanding border conflict and demanding "safety for border residents."
Various influential student and community organizations participated in the protest, including the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Chutiya Student Union, Tea Tribe Student Union, and Tai Ahom Student Union.
Protesters claimed that despite numerous appeals, both the Assam and Nagaland administrations have failed to take action against the ongoing aggression and illegal logging in the border regions.
“We have witnessed Naga miscreants causing disturbances since childhood, yet the government has not resolved this issue,” stated Bikash Bora, president of AASU’s Dhansiri sub-division.
A recent incident, where suspected Naga militants allegedly destroyed thousands of trees planted by the Assam government in the Rengma and Sonaribil forest areas, has intensified the unrest.
These trees were part of a reforestation initiative following eviction operations aimed at clearing encroachments. Locals assert that neither state government has responded, allowing the destruction to persist.
“When the Nagas destroyed thousands of saplings in Uriamghat, the governments and even the CRPF did nothing. We demand assurance that not an inch of Assam’s land will be ceded to Nagaland,” Bora expressed, reflecting the crowd's anger.
Other student leaders criticized the administration for its "total apathy," noting that the Sarupathar subdivision authorities have not responded to multiple incidents.
“The Assam government has taken no decisive action. We seek a permanent resolution to this crisis,” another protester remarked.
Many attendees also accused CRPF personnel stationed in the area of corruption, calling for their replacement with the Assam Battalion.
“We do not feel safe with the CRPF. They even demand monthly payments from local businesses. We have a police station here, but we need personnel who genuinely protect our lives and property,” one protester alleged.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma through the Co-District Commissioner, the protesters outlined eight key demands. These include a permanent resolution to the Assam–Nagaland border dispute, enhanced protection for lives and property across all three border sectors (A, B, and C), prevention of insurgent incursions, and the establishment of Assam Battalion camps at strategic locations.
They also requested the relocation of the CRPF camp from its current position in Uriamghat and the appointment of permanent border magistrates in all sectors under Golaghat district.
Residents expressed disappointment with the Chief Minister’s previous assurances during his visit to Uriamghat that "no land of Assam will go to Nagaland."
“We welcomed the eviction drives, but now Naga miscreants are back, seizing land again. Border Protection Minister Atul Bora has never visited this area or taken any action. How much longer must we endure this?” questioned a local resident.
In a related development, security forces recovered a 1.2-kg rhino horn from the home of Majibur Rahman in Chetia village, near the CRPF 155(D) camp in Uriamghat. Police reported that Rahman confessed to purchasing the horn in Nagaon for resale in Nagaland. An investigation is currently underway by Uriamghat Police.