A series of violent incidents along the Assam-Nagaland border has been reported in the past few weeks, with the latest incident occurring on the night of March 31, amplifying fears among the local population, according to a news report in The Assam Tribune. The alleged violent incidents could not be independently confirmed by Mokokchung Times.
“On Monday night, miscreants from across the border launched an assault on Rajabari village, destroying bamboo fences, firing shots, and physically assaulting villagers,” the report said.
There have been instances in the past when Assam-based media outlets reported violence along the Assam-Nagaland border, which was later dismissed as ‘fabricated’ by Nagaland government officials.
According to the report by the Assam-based newspaper, four residents were reportedly abducted during the attack.
They were identified as Bikram Pradhan, Joydeep Patar Tanti, Akash Patar Tanti, and Sanjeet Patar Tanti.
“After being taken, the abducted individuals were reportedly forced to sign blank papers before being released,” The Assam Tribune reported.
“This is not a new phenomenon. The Naga miscreants have been infringing upon our land for a long time. If the state government and the local administration fail to provide us protection, we will be forced to relocate to Nagaland for our safety,” the newspaper quoted a villager as saying.
It was also reported that residents were threatened by alleged “Naga miscreants,” who warned them not to speak to the press about the violence.
“Tensions in the region have been escalating in recent months, with growing reports of purported Naga miscreants entering Assam to destroy forests and drive residents off their land, allegedly for land-grabbing purposes,” the news report added.
It was also reported that “on March 28 and March 20, miscreants from across the inter-state border were blamed for setting fires in the Dissoi Valley Reserve Forest and Tiru Hills, respectively.”
“With no official response from senior officials, the residents of Mariani are left in a state of uncertainty and fear. As tensions continue to rise, the people of Mariani are left wondering whether they will be forced to abandon their homes in search of peace and safety across the border,” the report concluded.