Tensions continue in Merapani along Assam-Nagaland Border after three Assamese youth was attack by alleged Naga miscreants on Independence Day. The attack sparked strong protests from several organisations.
Late Friday night, acting on the orders of the Golaghat district administration, Nagaland Police and CRPF arrested three accused — Takhai Sumi, Honito Yepthomi, and Kahosa Thimo — for their involvement in the assault.
The incident took place when three Assamese youths from Kadamguri went for a picnic in a nearby forest in Nagaland. While returning, they were attacked by a group of Naga miscreants. Two of them, Simsat Basumatary and Subrat Nayak were brutally beaten. While the third, Prakash Boro, was shot with an air gun, causing heavy bleeding.
The Bir Lachit Sena had earlier warned of blocking Naga entry into Merapani if the culprits were not caught. After the arrests, the group temporarily suspended its protest.
Meanwhile, organisations like Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) condemned the attack and urged the government to ensure safety of Assamese people in border areas.
Bir Lachit Sena leaders accused Nagas of trying to disturb peace after recent evictions of the Miya community, while KMSS General Secretary Bidyut Saikia said that repeated warnings about rising tensions were ignored. He demanded deployment of neutral forces along the border to protect locals.
