Silchar, Nov. 24 -- The Assam government will introduce a new legislation that will allow traditional buffalo fights to be held annually in the state, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday after a cabinet meeting. The legislation is intended to protect and recognise the buffalo fight tradition, known as Moh-Juj, which takes place every year during Magh Bihu (in January), particularly at Ahatguri in Morigaon district. Sarma said the event is linked to the cultural history of the state and should be preserved. He added that the new law will remove the term "cruelty" from the sport under provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The Gauhati high court had imposed a ban on buffalo and bulbul fights last year, cancelling the standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the Assam government in December 2023 that permitted such events under regulated conditions. Referring to a Supreme Court observation that buffalo fights form part of traditional practices, Sarma said the proposed legislation would give the Ahatguri buffalo fights the status of a historical sport, enabling their annual organisation....