Assam: Government gives nod to bull-fight during Magh Bihu with SOP in place

The buffalo fights were prohibited after the Supreme Court's 2014 ban on Tamil Nadu's jallikattu

The Assam Cabinet on Friday approved the revival of traditional buffalo and bullfights, a customary practice during Magh Bihu in January. Despite a 2014 Supreme Court order banning such animal fights, the state government granted in-principle approval during its weekly meeting. The decision aims to issue detailed guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for organizing these events in places like Ahatguri in Morigaon district and other districts. The SOPs will ensure the well-being of animals, preventing cruelty during the annual Moh-juj festival, a vital part of Assamese cultural heritage.

The buffalo fights were prohibited after the Supreme Court’s 2014 ban on Tamil Nadu’s jallikattu. However, certain areas, particularly in central Assam, continued organizing these events during Magh Bihu, primarily conducted by animal owners rather than centralized committees. No fights occurred during the pandemic.

“In today’s meeting of the #AssamCabinet we decided to Conduct a socio-economic assessment of Assam’s indigenous minorities. Sanction ₹259 cr to construct libraries across Assam. Frame SOPs for traditional bullfights to ensure the well-being of the animals”, CM Sarma said in a post on X

The Cabinet announced plans to develop libraries and digital infrastructure to promote reading habits among students under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24. This initiative will cover 2,197 village panchayats and 400 municipal wards, with an estimated budget of Rs 259.70 crores.

The Cabinet also decided to conduct a socio-economic assessment of indigenous Assamese Muslims through the Directorate of Minority Affairs and Char Areas.

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