HT Correspondent
GUWAHATI, Jan 16: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday witnessed the historic buffalo fight held after nine years at Ahotguri field in Morigaon district.
Wishing people on the occasion of Magh Bihu festival, the chief minister stated that the traditional culture of Assamese people, including buffalo fights and Bulbuli fights, has been celebrated since the times of our forefathers in the state.
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Sarma also expressed gratitude to the committee organising the buffalo fights for their smooth execution.
“Bulbuli (bulbul bird) and ‘mooh juj’ are happening in the state after eight-nine years. And it is with pride that I am witnessing these again,” Sarma said at Ahotguri,” Sarma said.
It is worth mentioning that Assam’s people celebrate the ancestral festival Bihu through various traditional cultures like buffalo fights, Bulbuli fights, and cockfights.
Highlighting the historic Bulbuli fights, the chief minister also mentioned that the people of Hajo witnessed the traditional Bulbuli fights organised after eight years in Kamrup district on Monday.
Further, referring to Hiteswar Barbarua’s manuscript from the tenure of Ahom king Rudra Singha, Sarma explained that the author clearly mentioned organising events like elephant fights and cockfights, which were first started in the courtyard of the historic ‘Rongghar’ during the rule of Ahom king Rudra Singha in the state.
Mentioning the Supreme Court’s 2014 order prohibiting all animal races and fights, which led to the suspension of buffalo fights and Bulbuli fights, Sarma highlighted their resumption today at Ahotguri field after nine years.
He also appealed to committees to adhere to the SOP issued by the Supreme Court for organising traditional buffalo and Bulbuli fights in the state.
The chief minister also emphasised the need for committees to ensure that no animal gets hurt during the fights.
“The 2014 Supreme Court order had put a stop on organising these, but we are resuming our traditional event with great happiness. I urge the organisers and buffalo owners to follow the SOP and ensure that no harm comes to the animals. It is our duty to preserve and take forward our heritage, but with responsibility,” he added.
