Buffalo Fights in Assam: A Battle for Tradition or End of an Era

GUWAHATI: Buffalo fighting, a controversial and ancient practice, has long been embedded in the cultural fabric of certain regions in India. Particularly prominent in Assam, the event was once seen as a traditional sport and a symbol of strength and bravery.

However, in recent years, the practice has drawn significant criticism, leading to its eventual ban by the Gauhati High Court.

This article delves into the history, cultural significance, and the ban of buffalo fighting, while examining the pivotal role played by organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in the fight against animal cruelty.

Buffalo fights, locally known as "Moh Juj", have long been an integral part of Assam's cultural heritage, particularly during the Magh Bihu festival.

The tradition dates back nearly 200 years, when it was first institutionalized by the 30th Ahom king, Swargadeo Rudra Singha, at Rangghar, the Ahom capital in Sibsagar. The practice later spread to Nagaon and Morigaon, introduced by the Tiwa Chief Gobha Raja, and was primarily held in Ahatguri.

This traditional sport is closely linked to the region's rural and agricultural way of life, where male buffaloes(bulls) are vital for ploughing fields. Historically, the fights served as a means to demonstrate the strength, stamina, and skill of these animals, reflecting the dedication and training imparted by their owners.

The trouble for buffalo fighting began with the Jallikattu judgment. In 2014, in the case of Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja & Ors (commonly known as the Jallikattu case), the Supreme Court of India imposed a ban on traditional bull taming in Tamil Nadu and prohibited bullock cart races nationwide.

Following the Supreme Court's ban on Jallikattu and related bull-related events, authorities in Dharamtul, Morigaon district, halted the Oitigya Mandita Ahatguri Anchalik Moh-Juj and Bhogali Bihu Utsav Samiti from conducting buffalo fights during the Bhogali Bihu Utsav.

In response, the Samiti filed a petition with the Gauhati High Court, which, on 10 October 2023, instructed the Assam government to address concerns regarding the welfare of the animals involved and make an informed decision on the matter.

On 8 December 2023, the Assam Cabinet decided to permit buffalo and other traditional bird fights in areas where they had been historically held. The Cabinet also mandated the Home and Political Departments to develop a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate these events, ensuring that animal cruelty would not be tolerated.

The SOPs aim to reduce animal suffering by prohibiting intentional cruelty, including the use of intoxicants or performance-enhancing drugs, sharp objects to provoke aggression, and any human-inflicted injuries to the buffaloes. 

The Gauhati High Court quashed the Assam government’s December 27, 2023 SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) on December 17, 2024 that allowed buffalo and bulbul bird fights during a certain period of the year (in January).

The bench of Justice Devashis Baruah of the high court heard the petition filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India today. Listing the petition before Justice Devashis Baruah, PETA India’s senior advocate, Diganta Das made detailed submissions in support of the petitioner.

He argued that buffalo fights violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The Gauhati High Court further held the SOP to be in violation of the judgement passed on May 7, 2014, by the Supreme Court in the Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraja case.

The legal battle over buffalo fighting highlights the ongoing tension between cultural traditions and animal welfare.

The Gauhati High Court’s decision to quash the Assam government's SOP emphasizes the need to balance heritage with ethical treatment of animals, as society continues to reassess such practices.

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