Violence Erupts in Assam-Nagaland Border Village, Over 90 Homes Destroyed

Destruction in Tengatol Village

Jorhat, Oct 3: Describing the event as a tragic occurrence, Sarupathar MLA Biswajit Phukan reported that more than 90 residences were engulfed in flames following an attack by miscreants on Tengatol, a village predominantly inhabited by minorities, situated along the Assam-Nagaland border late Thursday night.

Phukan noted that the Assam Police, in collaboration with the CRPF and Nagaland Police, successfully reached the affected area despite challenging conditions. He mentioned that both state administrations are cooperating to track down those responsible and restore order. “We are optimistic that peace and stability will return, and the CRPF will ensure that no aggressors from either Assam or Nagaland can instigate further violence. We are also making provisions for those who have lost their homes,” he stated.

However, local residents claimed that the disaster was foreshadowed by prior threats. Village headman Rahmat Ali recounted the terrifying events of that night: “They arrived around 11:30 p.m. while everyone was asleep. In just over an hour, everything was lost — documents, certificates, vehicles, and cash. Only a couple of houses remain intact. Since the eviction a month ago, we had been receiving threats. We alerted the administration and CRPF, but our concerns were dismissed as mere rumors.”

According to the villagers, many sought refuge in nearby rivers and paddy fields to escape the violence, while insurgents obstructed security forces from accessing the area promptly.

Phukan later confirmed that a meeting took place in the New Land district with officials from both Assam and Nagaland, where it was resolved to enhance preventive strategies and maintain heightened vigilance. Police and CRPF units have since been deployed in Tengatol, and senior officials have visited the site.

This incident highlights the precarious peace along the Assam-Nagaland border, where ongoing disputes over land and identity have frequently led to violent confrontations.