MERAPANI: Tension resurfaced along the Assam-Nagaland border in Merapani on Wednesday following an alleged assault on an Assamese man by a group of Naga men at No. 2 Negheribil on Tuesday night.
The incident prompted local residents to stage a protest on Wednesday, briefly blocking the road and demanding action against those responsible. They also sought enhanced security for residents in the sensitive border area.
The situation became tense during the protest after an argument reportedly broke out between Naga and Assamese residents. Police personnel, Forest Department officials and senior civil administration officials reached the spot and took measures to bring the situation under control.
Tension continued to prevail in parts of the Merapani border area following the incident.
Assamese residents also expressed resentment over alleged regular patrolling by Nagaland Police in No. 2 Negheribil, which they claimed falls within Assam’s territory.
Residents further alleged that CRPF personnel deployed in the area as a neutral security force had, on several occasions, acted in favour of the Naga side during disputes. The allegations could not be independently verified.
The incident came amid longstanding tensions over the Assam-Nagaland boundary. Residents alleged that attempts to occupy No. 2 Negheribil had continued since the Assam Forest Department carried out an eviction drive against alleged illegal encroachment in the area in August last year.
Authorities maintained a presence in the area to prevent further escalation. Further details about the alleged assault and any police action in the case were awaited.
