Guwahati: Independence Day celebrations in Merapani, along the Assam–Nagaland border, were overshadowed by a violent incident in which three Assamese youths were brutally assaulted by a group of alleged Naga miscreants.
The victims, identified as Simsat Basumatary, Subrat Nayak, and Prakash Boro, had gone from Kadamguri to a forested area in Nagaland for a picnic. On their way back, they were intercepted and attacked without provocation. Basumatary and Nayak were beaten severely, while Boro sustained a gunshot wound from an air rifle as he tried to flee. The shot caused heavy bleeding, adding to the gravity of the assault.
Despite their injuries, the youths managed to escape and reached the Merapani Community Health Centre for initial treatment. They were later referred to Golaghat Civil Hospital for further medical care.
Authorities have confirmed the unprovoked nature of the attack, which has sparked widespread anger among locals in the sensitive border region. Police have launched an investigation, and discussions are underway to step up security and prevent further clashes along the Assam–Nagaland boundary.