GUWAHATI: The district administrations in Assam have framed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and guidelines for organising buffalo fights (Moh-Juj) and bulbuli bird fights.
The following guidelines have been laid out for Buffalo Fights:
• The District Administration will strictly enforce all rules and regulations, and the District Commissioner will issue permissions based on applications from the organizers.
• Moh-Juj may only take place within ten days succeeding Magh Bihu (from 15th to 25th January).
• The fights should be scheduled between 7.00 AM and 4.00 PM.
• Veterinary teams will be present to respond to any medical emergency, and in large-scale events, veterinary ambulances will be available.
• Proper arrangements for food, water, and shade for buffaloes must be made.
• The complete Moh-Juj program, including date, time, and place, shall be videographed.
• Strong barricading of the fighting arena is mandatory.
• Human-inflicted injuries are strictly prohibited.
• Only healthy male buffaloes shall be engaged in the fight.
• Sharp objects or instruments causing injury to buffaloes are not allowed.
• No intoxicating items or performance-enhancing drugs shall be fed to the buffaloes.
• The organizing committee must provide a written undertaking for compliance with the SOP to obtain permission.
For Bulbuli Bird Fights, the guidelines include:
• Ensuring the safety of Bulbuli birds.
• Providing food and water to the birds at the venue, with close monitoring by the organizing committee.
• Conducting the games in a well-disciplined manner.
• Setting up barricades and conducting the games safely.
• Only 2 marchers and 2 judges will be allowed to enter the stage.
• Owners of the birds must sit in specially reserved seats.
• Proper seating arrangements for the audience.
• After the game, Bulbuli birds must be released in perfect condition.
Violating stipulations will result in a five-year ban on the event. Both buffalo and Bulbuli fights are permitted only at places with a tradition of at least 25 years.