Dibrugarh, Aug 16: A fight between Assamese and Naga youths in the Merapani area along the Assam-Nagaland border in Golaghat district on Friday left one person injured. According to reports, the youths had gone from the local Kadamguri area to a nearby forested stretch in Nagaland for a picnic. While returning home, a group of Nagas allegedly intercepted them and attacked them.

The victims have been identified as Simsat Basumatary, Subrat Nayak and Prakash Boro. Prakash Boro was shot with an air gun, allegedly without any provocation. He sustained bullet injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Golaghat Civil Hospital.

“We went to Merapani area for a picnic. Suddenly, three Naga people appeared in front of us and asked for our Aadhaar cards. We told them that we lived just one kilometre away from the area. Without any reason, they started assaulting us and fired at us. One of our friends was shot and is now undergoing treatment at the hospital,” said Subrat Nayak, one of the victims.

Nayak further said, “All three of them were armed with guns. We had gone there for a picnic to celebrate Independence Day. They assaulted us badly and also fired at our vehicle, damaging some parts of it.” Investigations are underway, and the incident has once again raised concerns about safety along the sensitive Assam-Nagaland border.

This was not the first such case. Similar incidents have occurred earlier in the Merapani area in the past.

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