Assam: Traditional buffalo fight 'Moh-Juj'organised after nine years
Moh-Juj (buffalo) fights were held in Ahatguri.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the event. In December last year Assam cabinet gave in-principle approval to the issue of detailed procedure/SOP for permitting traditional buffalo and bull fights to be organised during Magh Bihu at Ahatguri, Morigaon district, Nagaon district or in any other part of Assam.
Sarma stated X, “In another effort to revive and preserve Assam's timeless Bihu traditions, I had the privilege of witnessing the Moh-Juj after a nine-year hiatus in Ahotguri. This traditional buffalo fight is now conducted for the first time under stringent government guidelines, ensuring a delicate harmony between animal welfare and the celebration of our ancient culture”.
The cabinet meeting stated that the SOP aims at ensuring no deliberate torture or cruelty is carried out on the animals and their well-being is provided for by the organisers during the annual Moh-juj festival, an integral part of the centuries-old Assamese cultural tradition.
In Magh Bihu celebration (which is held in the month of January) the buffalo fights are organised as a part of the age-old tradition in Morigaon.
These fights were organised however informally. The Supreme Court in 2014 passed an order prohibiting all animal races and fights, thereby directing the Animal Welfare Board of India and the government to prevent infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering to animals.
Following the Supreme court ban these fights are not organised as a tournament. Now some buffalo owners individually do it.
Ahatguri has been organizing buffalo fights as a tournament since 1972.
