Assam-Nagaland Tensions Flare Over Alleged Land Grab in Golaghat

In yet another instance of encroachment, Naga individuals have allegedly begun occupying land on the Assam side by planting rubber saplings inside a tea garden in the disputed border area. The latest incident has been reported from No. 1 Upper Tarani Garbasti village in Assam, where locals allege that Naga residents have encroached upon land legally possessed by Assamese farmer Rambal Gar.

According to locals, since Saturday, a group of Naga individuals have started planting rubber saplings inside a small tea estate belonging to Gar, located adjacent to the Naga Hills. The move appears to be an attempt to quietly seize the land by establishing a physical presence and plantation without the owner's knowledge.

It is important to note that in 1971, the Assam government had allotted this plot of land to Rambal Gar’s grandfather, Mahabir Gar. Since then, the family has maintained uninterrupted possession and cultivated the land. However, over the years, there have been repeated attempts by Naga groups to encroach upon this stretch strategically.

The recent developments have left the farming community in Garbasti village anxious and on high alert. In response to the suspected encroachment, villagers have started organising night patrols and keeping watch over the border area to prevent further transgressions.

Demanding enhanced security, the villagers have called upon authorities to deploy regular patrols by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) along the vulnerable stretches of the border.

On the other hand, during a visit to the encroached site, armed Naga individuals allegedly confronted CRPF personnel of the 142nd battalion. The confrontation involved heated arguments, with the Naga individuals brandishing weapons including guns and machetes. Reports claim that they even issued threats to evict the Assamese farmers from the land.

Despite repeated provocations, the Golaghat district administration has so far remained silent on the issue, which has sparked widespread concern among local residents.

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