Tensions Rise at Assam-Nagaland Border Following Cattle Shooting Incident
Incident Overview
Police speak to locals after cattle were shot dead in Mariani. (AT Photo)
Jorhat, Apr 6: New tensions have emerged along the Assam–Nagaland border in Mariani, Jorhat, following an incident where suspected Naga miscreants shot cattle on Sunday.
The shooting took place at Naginijan Tea Estate, where the assailants reportedly fired upon cattle belonging to Ajesh Chabar, a resident of Line No. 9, and attempted to steal them.
Local youths pursued the attackers, who managed to escape, leaving two motorcycles behind.
Residents have long accused groups from across the border of encroaching on forested areas like Disoi, Disoi Valley, and Tiru Hills.
Locals assert that armed individuals are entering Assam territory, instilling fear and killing livestock with firearms without facing any repercussions.
“Around 4 pm on Sunday, a visitor to the tea estate heard gunfire and saw miscreants near a cow they had shot. They fled shortly after, abandoning their motorcycles,” recounted a local resident.
He noted that such occurrences are not rare. “These attacks happen frequently. Despite notifying authorities, we see no substantial action,” he claimed, mentioning that both local and Naga village leaders had promised intervention.
Residents also reported that over 200 cattle have gone missing in the Mariani border area over time.
While discussions have taken place between representatives from Nagaland and Assam village authorities, locals expressed disappointment with the response.
Police have visited the scene and launched an investigation, but residents feel the measures taken have been insufficient and allege ongoing intimidation from armed groups across the border.
This latest incident adds to the ongoing tensions in the region.
On March 4, protests erupted in Chungajan, Golaghat district, after a gate allegedly installed by authorities from Nagaland’s Niuland district raised concerns over territorial claims in the border area.