Golaghat, Aug 14: Tensions along the Assam-Nagaland border intensified on Thursday in the Rengma Forest Reserve area of Uriamghat due to reports of vandalism and encroachment in the villages of Pithaghat and Sonaribeel.

Residents have reported that boundary markers were damaged and temporary shelters were constructed in the Disputed Area Belt (DAB), which had recently been cleared during the initial phase of an eviction operation. Markers indicating 'Ruchan village jurisdiction Wokha (Lotha)' were also noted, suggesting attempts at land grabbing.

In response, local authorities, including administrative officials, police, and CRPF, swiftly acted to dismantle the makeshift structures and remove the signs. Local organizations have accused settlers from Nagaland of trying to claim the reclaimed land.

A leader from the All Assam Students Union (AASU) stated, “The Chief Minister initiated the eviction drive, and we backed him. The first phase went well, but ahead of the second phase, there have been multiple incidents of Naga settlers putting up shelters. The government needs to quickly deploy Assam battalion forces in these sensitive regions.”

MLA Biswajit Phukan from Sarupathar confirmed the administration's intervention, stating, “At the Sonaribeel border, the temporary houses and nameplates established by miscreants have been promptly removed by the administrations of both Assam and Nagaland,” he shared on a micro-blogging platform.

Since August 2, when 8,900 bighas of encroached forest land were reclaimed during the first phase of the eviction drive, tensions have remained high in the border area. Locals are worried about possible land grabs by Naga claimants following the eviction.

On August 12, further unrest occurred in Thuribari’s DAB, which included blank firing and the burning of a house. Similar claims have emerged from Merapani, where three Naga village councils have issued warnings asserting their jurisdiction over parts of Assam’s Negheribil area.

Despite the tensions, the Assam government has stated that Nagaland authorities have cooperated fully during the eviction process. “Assam has no conflict with Nagaland. We aim to progress through harmony and brotherhood, with both governments working closely together,” Phukan's post continued.

The second phase of the eviction drive in the Rengma Forest area is set to begin on August 18, targeting areas such as Ranangor, Hatidubi, Haldhibari, Durgapur, and No. 1 Madhupur. Security forces, including the CRPF and Uriamghat police, are currently stationed in the region.