93 houses torched in Niuland border dispute

DIMAPUR — In a violent escalation of a border dispute, around 93 houses in Tangatal village, popularly known as Jalal village, under Aghunaqa area in Niuland district, were torched by approximately 300 unidentified attackers on the night of October 2 around 11.30 pm.

Various accounts stated that more than 100 two-wheelers and a car were also destroyed in the incident. Valuable documents, including cash, were reportedly reduced to ashes, and several residents sustained injuries.

Media reports quoted the Head GB Jalal village, Rahamat Ali, claiming that the attackers entered the village from the directions of Nguvihe and Hukhai villages, using explosives and firearms.

“Out of 105 houses in the village, 93 were torched. More than 100 two-wheelers and a car were burned, and no prior evacuation notice was given,” he said. Ali also claimed that the village was established under his father’s name, ‘Jalal.’

However, the head GBs of Nguvihe and Hukhai villages, N Khatoi Achumi and Ato Yeputho respectively, denied any involvement.

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Khatoi Achumi stated that Jalal village, established in 1984, was an immigrant settlement from Pimla village, and that the land occupied by Jalal actually belongs to Nguvihe village. “They are illegally occupying land,” he asserted.

Reports also noted that CRPF personnel provided food and assistance to the affected villagers.

State officials, including the deputy commissioner of Niuland, along with the ADC, DCP, and border magistrate, reportedly held a meeting at the site with their Assam counterparts, led by the DC of Golaghat, superintendent of police, and border magistrate, on Friday.

While details of the discussion remain unknown, sources indicated that the situation is currently under control following the deployment of additional security forces.

The incident has heightened tensions in the area, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation.