Assam: Tensions continue to escalate in Jorhat over alleged Naga intrusions

MARIANI: Tensions have continued to escalate Nagajanka in Upper Assam's Mariani where locals and alleged Naga encroachers seem to be poised for a face-off. Although no reports of violence have been reported so far, locals have claimed that they are ready for violence against alleged 'intruders'. Amid the soaring tensions, officials from Assam and Nagaland yesterday held a meeting to try and find a solution to the problem.

Locals of Nagajanka have alleged that Naga 'encroachers' have been carrying out atrocities in the Nagajanka area, while appealing to the Government to intervene in the matter. Tensions came to a head when Jorhat authorities went to evict Naga settlers from protected forest land on Saturday last. Angered by this, the Nagas let loose a volley of bullets in the air, locals claimed.

Locals of Mariani have been on the edge ever since, and they have kept night vigils to ward off the Nagas. Locals have claimed that Nagas during the nights have set off bullets.

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Yesterday, officials from Assam and Nagaland met for a meeting at Nagajanka where they discussed the prevailing tensions between the two states.

The Assam officials said that although human trespassing is allowed across the border, the construction of concrete structures in the protected areas cannot be legal. Both States are trying to control the unrest by hammering out a diplomatic solution that is agreeable to both parties.

"I have told the Forest Magistrate and I will reiterate this again -- kindly stop constructing these kinds of structures in this area," said an Assam official.

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