ADVERTISMENT
Assam

Tensions Erupt Again at Assam-Nagaland Border as Merapani Turns Flashpoint

Assamese locals and farmers accuse Nagaland of illegal encroachment at the Merapani Seed Farm; protest groups demand immediate action from the Assam government amid growing fear and unrest.

MERAPANI-   Despite repeated claims by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that border disputes with Nagaland have been resolved, the situation on the ground tells a different story. Tensions have reignited at the Merapani Seed Farm in Golaghat district—an area that locals assert lies clearly within Assam’s constitutional boundaries.

On April 10, thousands of Assamese farmers, mobilized by the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and local agricultural unions, staged a protest rally demanding the eviction of alleged illegal Naga settlements—including huts and concrete structures—within the 1300-acre farmland.

Also Read-  CTAN and NNQF Stage Massive Protest in Kohima, Demand Minister’s Resignation

Rather than calming the situation, the crisis intensified on April 16 when Nagaland MLA Achumbemo Kikon, accompanied by officials from the 7th Naga Police Battalion, border magistrate personnel, and members of Lotha tribal bodies, entered the disputed area and claimed it as Nagaland territory. His public declaration that “not an inch will be given to Assam” further provoked local sentiment.

KMSS General Secretary Bidyut Saikia expressed deep frustration at the Assam government’s “deafening silence” and warned of a massive agitation if immediate action is not taken before April 22. “The seed farm is on Assam soil. Even Golaghat’s border magistrate confirmed this on April 10 protest” Saikia said.

Also Read- NSCN-IM in Crisis Mode, Founder’s Son Walks Out, Sparks Uproar

Reports also suggest that the Nagaland Agriculture Department has issued orders to begin fencing the disputed land and has moved to invalidate existing land allotments to Assamese farmers, adding fuel to an already volatile situation.

The Golaghat district administration has not responded to the fresh ultimatum, increasing public outrage. Locals, many of whom rely on the seed farm for their livelihood, say they now live in fear of eviction and potential violence.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button