India, Feb. 1 -- The Assam state government is planning to introduce a new law, allowing traditional buffalo fights to be held annually, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

Inaugurating a new bridge connecting Marigaon and Jagiroad in central Assam, Sarma said that new legislation is needed to "preserve" the sport, popularly known as Moh-Juj in Assamese, which is held elaborately at Ahatguri in Marigaon district during the Magh Bihu festival in mid-January, as it is part of the state's "rich history."

"There's a rich history associated with traditional buffalo fights of Ahatguri. As per Supreme Court order (which termed buffalo fights as part of tradition), our government (Bharatiya Janata Party) has decided to enact a ...