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The violence which resulted in the killing of one person and injury to several others on the Assam-Nagaland border was today blamed on "illegal immigrants" by Nagaland Home Minister Y Patton on Wednesday.
"The incident that took place yesterday at Ralan area is a reminder for both the states of Assam and Nagaland how much damage illegal immigrants can do to both the people of Assam and Nagaland," Patton said.
"Despite continuous provocation, the villagers of Ralan area have been been restrained all through these years," he said.
He, however, said "the surprise attack by a huge number of 'adivasis' along with their militant wing on the villagers of Ronsu Yan and some other adjoining villages at Ralan area compelled residents to retaliate as an act of self defence."
He said there were many instances in the past where "illegal immigrants" mainly tribals and Bangladeshis had created trouble on the Assam-Nagaland border areas and the Nagaland government was closely monitoring the situation.
It should not be misconstrued that it was a mute spectator, he added.
