Jagiroad: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday that the state government would introduce a new law to legally permit buffalo fights.
Speaking at a public gathering after inaugurating a bridge in Jagiroad, Sarma stated that the move aims to preserve the state’s cultural heritage.
He emphasised that the buffalo fights in Ahatguri are part of Assam’s tradition.
“The buffalo fight of Ahatguri is a vital part of our heritage, and even the Supreme Court has recognised it as a traditional game. Based on their guidelines, we will soon introduce a law to protect and promote traditional sports, including buffalo fights,” Sarma said.
The chief minister confirmed that the Assam government would soon present a bill in the state assembly to offer legal protection for these traditional events.
“Once the law is passed, people will be able to witness and enjoy the buffalo fights as part of our cultural tradition,” he added.
This announcement comes after the Gauhati High Court’s December 2023 ruling, which had struck down the Assam government’s 2023 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) allowing buffalo and bulbul bird fights during the Magh Bihu festivities.
The court determined that the SOP violated a Supreme Court ruling from May 2014.
The traditional bulbul bird fights, which had been on hold for nearly nine years, were revived in January 2023, with new guidelines issued by the Assam government.
Both buffalo and bird fights resumed following the state’s Cabinet approval of the SOP, which included provisions to ensure the safety of the animals, such as banning the use of intoxicating substances or sharp objects.
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The bulbul bird fights are a notable attraction at the Hayagriva Madhav temple in Hajo, Kamrup district, drawing large crowds each year on Magh Bihu.
Similarly, buffalo fights are held in various districts like Morigaon, Sivasagar, and Upper Assam, with Ahatguri in Morigaon being the most prominent venue.
In January 2023, Sarma and his family attended both the buffalo and bulbul bird fights and encouraged organizers to strictly adhere to the SOP to ensure safety and fair conduct.
