Tensions Rise Along Assam-Nagaland Border Over Controversial Census Survey
Border Dispute Escalates in Golaghat
In protest, members of several organisations, reportedly blackened survey markings made by the Nagaland officials
Jorhat, July 5: New tensions have emerged along the Assam-Nagaland border in the Sarupathar area of Golaghat after Nagaland officials allegedly conducted a census-related survey in several villages within the disputed 'B' sector.
This incident follows a recent visit by Assam's Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora, who assured local residents of the state government's backing amid ongoing border disputes.
Local inhabitants reported that on July 3, Nagaland officials surveyed areas including No. 1 Chetia Gaon, No. 2 Chetia Gaon, No. 2 Shantipur, Rajapukhuri, and Majgaon, asserting that these villages belong to Runsyuan Village in Nagaland.
The survey prompted protests from villagers, who argued that these areas had already been enumerated by Assam's census officials.
One resident, Sanjay Panna, stated, "My home is in 3 No. Shantipur. Approximately 80 families reside here. The officials from Nagaland could not survey all households; they only managed a small fraction before departing. We informed them that conducting another census would only lead to confusion, so we asked them to leave."
Another local claimed that Nagaland officials entered 2 No. Shantipur and asserted jurisdiction over the village.
"Some officials from Nagaland came and claimed 2 No. Shantipur as theirs. Our villagers confronted them about their claims on our land. We warned them that if they persisted, we would cease providing the paddy we traditionally share with them. They left after that," the resident recounted.
Residents and local groups viewed the survey as a direct affront to the Assam government and its authority.
In response, members of various organizations, including Chutia Chhatra Santha and the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), reportedly blackened the survey markings made by Nagaland officials on boundary pillars and other sites.
These organizations expressed frustration over the perceived inaction of the district administration, noting that no government representatives had visited the affected villages even a day after the incident.
"A permanent resolution is essential, and the safety of the people must be ensured. The Naga officials came here to conduct a survey, indicating the ineffectiveness of the Assam government and authorities," a member of a local student group asserted.
Border residents further claimed they have endured ongoing harassment from across the state line for years.
They alleged that whenever their cattle stray into Nagaland, they are compelled to pay fees to retrieve them and face harassment otherwise.
This latest incident occurs in the context of Nagaland's Census 2027 initiative, which began on June 16 under the slogan "My Census, My Development." As part of this effort, Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav announced that citizens could enumerate their households online for the first time during the self-enumeration phase from June 16 to June 30.
At the time of publication, there was no immediate comment from the Nagaland administration regarding the allegations.