A violent escalation of the long-standing Assam-Nagaland border dispute left nearly 90–93 houses torched late Thursday night, October 2, as unidentified attackers struck Tangatal village (popularly known as Jalal village) in Niuland district, Nagaland, and Tengatol village in Assam’s Golaghat district.
According to the Eastern Mirror, around 300 assailants reportedly attacked Jalal village in Aghunaqa area at approximately 11:30 pm on October 2. Nearly 93 of the 105 houses in the village were destroyed, along with over 100 two-wheelers and a car. Valuable documents and cash were also reportedly lost, and several residents sustained injuries. Head GB of Jalal village, Rahamat Ali, said the attackers entered from the directions of Nguvihe and Hukhai villages, using explosives and firearms. “No prior evacuation notice was given,” Ali said, adding that the village was established under his father’s name, ‘Jalal.’
However, it was reported that the head GBs of Nguvihe and Hukhai villages, N Khatoi Achumi and Ato Yeputho, denied involvement. Khatoi Achumi claimed that Jalal village, established in 1984 as an immigrant settlement from Pimla village, was illegally occupying land belonging to Nguvihe village, the report added.
Meanwhile, the Assam Tribune reported that Tengatol, a minority-dominated village in the disputed B Sector near Sarupathar, Golaghat district, was attacked around 11:45 pm. Witnesses said assailants opened fire, threw grenades, and set homes ablaze, forcing residents to flee into rivers, fields, forests, and bamboo groves. One local resident recounted that the attackers declared the area as Naga land, demanding villagers leave despite families having lived there for generations. The report cited nearly 400 Naga miscreants involved, with destruction sparing only the Namghar, the report added.
Security response was delayed, drawing criticism from locals, the the Assam Tribune reported. Personnel from the 155th battalion of the CRPF reportedly arrived late, though a contingent of Assam Police has since been deployed. Relief operations are underway. Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan condemned the attacks on social media, urging strict action, it was reported.
State officials from both sides, including the deputy commissioner of Niuland, Assam’s DC of Golaghat, SP Rajen Singh, and border magistrates, reportedly held meetings to assess the situation. Sources indicated that the situation is currently under control following the deployment of additional forces.
The attacks have intensified border tensions and highlight the persistent challenges of land disputes between Assam and Nagaland, with authorities closely monitoring to prevent further escalation.
(Source: Eastern Mirror and Assam Tribune)
