Early on Monday morning, near the New Tinsukia Railway Station in Hizuguri, locals noticed a group of 44 men acting suspiciously. The men, claiming to be from Jammu and Kashmir, had just arrived on a train from Amritsar via Delhi and Guwahati. Carrying heavy bags and looking unsure, they drew the attention of daily wage workers and small traders who know the area well. Concerned about safety and documentation, the locals held the group back and called the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local police.
The incident, while raising questions, reflects the caution people in Assam take when strangers show up unexpectedly. Assam has always welcomed workers from across India, but officials and communities stress that proper verification of identity and travel papers is crucial. With major projects like power lines connecting Arunachal Pradesh and Assam underway, workers move frequently, but unverified entries can cause alarm.
One local, who helped stop the group, told reporters, “These men said they were from Jammu and Kashmir, but something felt off. We didn’t want to take chances. Families and children play nearby. It was important to alert the authorities.” Others around the station nodded in agreement. In towns like Tinsukia, where residents know the rhythms of the trains and recognize most faces, a large group of strangers immediately stands out. 
The men explained their side to reporters. Muhammad Hussain, a man in his 30s, said, “We are 44 people. Our boss brought us here for tower line work. We need to go to Roing in Arunachal Pradesh. This is our first time in Assam. We are just here to work.” Others, like Shafi and Khadim Hussain, confirmed they were traveling for similar electrical line work. They stressed that their contractor, Kadhim Ali, had the official work orders, and they were following instructions.
For now, the 44 men remain under supervision while the authorities complete the verification process. The message from Tinsukia is clear: Assam is open to work and visitors, but everyone must have proper documentation and follow protocols. Vigilance is not suspicion; it is precaution.
