Tensions along Assam-Nagaland border: Allegations and responses

Tensions reportedly surged along the Assam-Nagaland border in Jorhat’s Rajabari on Thursday (January 23) after allegations of encroachment and intimidation by ‘Naga miscreants’ from across the State border, according to a report by The Assam Tribune. However, Nagaland officials stated they were unaware of such an incident at the time of filing this report.

At 6:38 pm on Thursday, The Assam Tribune published a report titled, ”Assam-Nagaland border tensions soar as Naga threats force family to flee Jorhat village.” The report claimed that the ongoing border issue escalated after a group of ‘Naga miscreants’ allegedly threatened Santosh Karmakar, a resident of Rajabari village, for informing journalists about their activities. The threats reportedly forced Karmakar and his family to flee their home.

The alleged threats prompted the Adivasi Students’ Union (ASU) to condemn the incident. An ASU representative warned that stronger measures, including protests, would be initiated if the government failed to ensure Karmakar’s safety.

However, Nagaland officials denied any knowledge of the incident. “No news from our side. A BM-level [Border Magistrate] meeting was conducted today, but this issue was not known even to the BMs of both states,” a high-ranking official from Nagaland told MT. Another official added that they were unaware of the report and would verify the matter with their Assam counterparts. It was also mentioned that the BM-level meeting continued until about 4 o’clock, and no such issue was raised during the discussions.

On January 23, 2025, EAC Longchem and the Border Magistrate of Tzürangkong conducted a joint inspection meeting with their Jorhat counterparts in Assam. According to Nagaland officials, the meeting focused on the recent Yajang C village incident and aimed to maintain peace and tranquility in the region. “The discussion was primarily on maintaining peace. It is just the beginning of a series of meetings that will take place,” said an official.

Meanwhile, according to The Assam Tribune, Assam Police deployed a large contingent to Rajabari village following the reported incident. The police assured residents that adequate protection would be provided to maintain law and order in the area.

MT