2 killed in fresh police firing in Assam-Nagaland border

Thus at least 15 deaths were reported over the week in the violence. With two more dying in fresh firing amid arson and clashes, the toll only rose even as Prime Minister Narendera Modi sought a report from the Home Ministry.

TV showed footages of public vehicles set on fire and women also charging the police and taking blows as well.

Earlier reports in the morning said unknown miscreants from Nagaland side reportedly opened fire at the border villages of Golaghat in the wee hours but no one was hurt in the incident.

According to local sources, miscreants from across the border opened around seven rounds of fire at Merapani area of Golaghat.

A large part of Assam-Nagaland border area in Golaghat remained tense following an ugly turf battle that aggravated on Tuesday with Assamese protesters staging blockades on the highway.

The police had resorted to baton charge to disperse the irate crowd during which at least one person was run over by a truck and 21 people were injured. The police personnel also opened a few rounds of fire as batons and tear gas shells yielded no result. 

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi and his Nagaland counterpart TR Zeliang are slated to meet on Aug 21 to discuss the border dispute that dates back to about 50 years ever since Nagaland achieved statehood.

Since then both the neighbouring north-eastern states have been busy accusing the other of encroachment despite mediation by the Supreme Court.

Tarun Gogoi said: “Police were attacked by the protesters and they were forced to retaliate…It is natural for people to be angry. I have been complaining for long that the Central forces are not doing their job. I need the Centre to become proactive.”

Inmates of Golaghat’s Uriam Ghat camp, who had fled their villages due to Naga violence, targeted Gogoi during a visit on Tuesday. The Assam CM was rescued by his security personnel.