Protests Erupt in Assam Over Border Dispute Following Shooting Incident

Protests erupted in Assam following a shooting incident involving suspected miscreants from Arunachal Pradesh, injuring several residents. Demonstrators are demanding immediate action, including the arrest of those responsible and the removal of a security camp allegedly established on Assam territory. The situation has escalated tensions along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, prompting calls for a resolution to the long-standing territorial disputes. A Congress delegation also visited the affected area, highlighting the ongoing insecurity felt by local indigenous communities. As the government plans to establish a security camp to prevent future incidents, the community's demands for safety and justice remain urgent.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 19, 2026, 18:15 IST

Protests Demand Action After Shooting Incident

A file image of TMPK protest in Jonai

Guwahati, Aug 19: Following a shooting incident allegedly involving miscreants from Arunachal Pradesh that injured several residents in Dhemaji, Oikomoncho Dhemaji organized a two-hour sit-in protest on Wednesday. The demonstrators are calling for immediate action regarding the incident and a resolution to the long-standing border dispute.

The protesters presented a six-point list of demands, which includes the swift arrest of those responsible for the shooting and the dismantling of an Arunachal security camp that is reportedly located within Assam's territory.

“It is regrettable that the Arunachal security camp on Assam land remains untouched by the authorities. We demand the arrest of the individuals involved in the shooting. Eleven people sustained injuries, and we believe the one-time compensation from the government should be raised from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. If our requests are ignored, we will escalate our protests,” stated one of the participants.

Additionally, the protesters are advocating for a prohibition on land transactions within a 10 km radius of the disputed area and the confiscation of firearms from residents living near the border, along with the revocation of their arms licenses.

As of now, no arrests have been made related to the shooting incident.

“If the authorities cannot ensure our safety, we will have no choice but to defend ourselves. Ten days have passed without any arrests. I urge the Assam government that if they cannot seize weapons from the offenders, they should provide us with AK-47s,” another protester expressed.

Congress Delegation Visits Affected Region

On Tuesday, a delegation from the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee visited the Mimangbodoti area to engage with local indigenous residents.

Residents informed the delegation that peace and normalcy have yet to be restored in the border regions. However, police and administrative officials restricted the Congress team from accessing the main conflict zone.

Dr. J.P. Das, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, criticized the Assam government for its inability to resolve the border dispute, which has left indigenous communities feeling vulnerable.

He urged the state government to take measures to safeguard the land, economic, and constitutional rights of Assam’s indigenous population.

Eight indigenous individuals from Assam who were injured during the shooting are currently receiving treatment at Dibrugarh Medical College and Hospital, with one reported to be in critical condition.

The shooting incident has heightened existing tensions along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, where both states have been attempting to address disputed territorial claims.

On August 16, the Assam government announced plans to set up a security camp along the interstate border at Mingmang-Bodoti to prevent encroachments and avoid future violent occurrences in the area.