Boidya Bori (Morigaon): Several bullfights were organized in different parts of Assam, despite a Supreme Court: SC ban on such events.

The fight, popularly known as “moh juj”, are usually organised as part of the harvest festival, Magh Bihu in the state.

In Morigaon district’s Boidya Bori area, some 78 km from Guwahati, at least 48 pairs of buffalos participated in the event. Buffalo fights were being oragnised here for over 35 years.

Ananta Deuri, president of the organizing committee told TIME8, “Buffalo fight is an age old tradition in the Assamese society during the Magh Bihu celebration. This is a part of the ritual and that’s why we organize it. We respect the Supreme Court but it’s not a competition. It’s a just a part of the rituals.”

With thousands in attendance, the fight continued from noon till dusk.  

Though prior to the ban imposed by the Supreme Court in 2014, bullfights were one of the prime attractions of the Magh Bihu festivities, SC ban the celebrations now a day have gone low key due to the restrictions.

There were reports of buffalo fights being organized at Ahatguri in the Morigaon district too.

Earlier, though they’re used to be organising committees for the events, with SC ruling, villagers now a day organize such events by their own. This is to avoid any legal consequences.

The buffalos locked horns by the sound of loud music as their owners encourage them to fight – in violation of Section 11(1) (a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

To make matters worse, there was no medical facility available for the buffalos who suffered injuries during the fight.

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