Tensions Rise Along Assam-Arunachal Pradesh Border After Armed Incident

Incident Overview

Sonitpur, July 18: Following a recent visit by Assam's Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah to the contentious Chawoldhua and Radhachow regions near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border in Biswanath district, tensions escalated on Saturday. Armed individuals from Arunachal Pradesh reportedly opened fire on Assam forest guards in the Dikal area of Behali Forest.

Biswanath District Commissioner Karabi Karan Saikia confirmed the incident, stating that Assam forest guards retaliated with gunfire.

Saikia remarked, "In response to the shooting by the miscreants from Arunachal, our forest guards also returned fire."

The exchange of gunfire coincided with both sides utilizing drones for surveillance. Reports indicate that the Assam Forest Department had deployed drones to track the movements of the armed individuals in the disputed area.

Upon noticing the drones, the armed miscreants allegedly attempted to shoot them down but were unsuccessful.

Police officials verified the events, noting that Assam forest guards fired multiple rounds in retaliation. They also mentioned that after the miscreants launched their own drone, the forest personnel responded with additional gunfire.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities. Authorities stated that the situation is currently stable, although security measures have been significantly enhanced in the region to avert further conflicts.

This recent incident follows Minister Mallabaruah's warning during his visit to the disputed forest area, where he emphasized that any attempts to intimidate Assam's officials would be met with a strong response.

He stated, "The miscreants have ulterior motives, which is why they resorted to firing. Our police will respond appropriately, and necessary actions will be coordinated between the Forest Department and the police."

Forest officials have raised concerns about extensive deforestation along the northern edge of Behali in recent months, alleging that armed individuals from Arunachal Pradesh have caused significant damage near the Radhachow border outpost of Assam Police.

This forest area is ecologically important, as evidenced by the Behali Bird Census 2025, which recorded over 35 wreathed hornbills, highlighting its rich biodiversity.

Additionally, sources indicated that while the ongoing Assam-Arunachal boundary dispute has hindered the designation of a wildlife sanctuary for Behali, only a small portion of the northern edge is genuinely contested. They assert that the majority of the encroached regions are within Assam's jurisdiction.