Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Tensions Rise Following Border Incident

Tensions Escalate After Firing Incident

Lakhimpur/Jorhat, Aug 12: Following a shooting incident at Bodoti in Mingmang, located on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border in Dhemaji district, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called on his counterpart in Arunachal Pradesh to initiate an investigation, identify those accountable, and ensure they face consequences.

During a press conference at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati, Sarma emphasized the importance of resolving the issue collaboratively, stating, “We have restructured our regional committee to address the matter with Arunachal. It is crucial that we avoid conflict, as we must coexist peacefully. I urge the Arunachal CM to conduct an inquiry, identify the perpetrator, and ensure they are held accountable.”

Sarma expressed disappointment over the incident, noting that most boundary disputes between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh had already been settled, with only five areas remaining unresolved.

“Currently, five areas involving 52 villages are pending resolution. The border department has indicated that we are addressing conflicts in these villages, many of which are already in the process of being resolved. I am optimistic that we will soon find a solution to the border issues with Arunachal Pradesh,” he stated.

He further elaborated that out of 123 villages previously involved in boundary disputes, issues concerning 71 have been successfully resolved.

“Fifty-two villages remain in dispute, and the recent incident occurred in one of these areas. In regions where disputes have been settled, there have been no conflicts, with boundary pillars established and the Survey of India working on permanent installations,” he added.

Unity Among Communities

Regarding the economic blockade initiated by the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), Sarma mentioned that Assam Minister Ranoj Pegu and Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu had communicated and expressed optimism for a swift resolution.

“The Misings and Adis share a brotherly bond. I believe they will engage in discussions to lift the blockade. The current blockade, called by Mising community members against the Adis, who share a common heritage, is temporary. Ranoj Pegu and Pema Khandu have spoken, and I am hopeful for a resolution today,” he remarked.

Sarma does not foresee the incident escalating into a prolonged conflict, citing the strong cultural and social connections between the residents of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

“I do not believe this is a lasting conflict. The people of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam have much in common. This is merely a temporary setback, and we will overcome it,” he stated.

Earlier, Pegu had posted on social media that Khandu assured him of a thorough and impartial investigation into the police firing incident at Bodoti in Mingmang.

TMPK Intensifies Protests

In the meantime, the TMPK, along with various other organizations, has initiated an indefinite road and economic blockade along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, demanding strict action against those responsible for the shooting.

The blockade commenced at 5 am at multiple locations, including Ruksin, Leku Bypass, Lai Mekuri, Telam, and Saren in Jonai, as well as Rajgarh in Gohpur, Bhalukpong, and Bandardewa.

At Bandardewa in Lakhimpur district, TMPK leaders stated that the blockade would persist until the police personnel allegedly involved in the incident are dismissed.

“The protest aims to draw the government's attention to the border incident and demand accountability from the police administration,” the Mising students’ organization declared.

The blockade has disrupted vehicular traffic through the Bandardewa Gate, causing congestion on NH-15. Similar blockades have been reported at other entry points, including Gumto near Harmutty and Kimin near Dejo Tea Estate in Lakhimpur district.

During the protests, Itanagar Traffic DSP Maga Tago and his team were reportedly attacked by miscreants near Gogamukh while en route to a court hearing in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh. Tago was taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution.

In Jonai, TMPK secretary Jan Doley stated that the blockade would continue until those responsible for the shooting are apprehended and punished.

The Mising apex organization also warned against interpreting the “simplicity of the Assamese people” as a weakness, cautioning that they would escalate their agitation if such incidents are not prevented.

The protests followed a shooting incident that injured 11 individuals, which protesters alleged was perpetrated by miscreants from Arunachal Pradesh along the border.

Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share an 804.1-km inter-state boundary, traversing through various districts in both states, with multiple unresolved disputes still being addressed.