Assam Government to Establish Security Camp at Assam-Arunachal Border
New Security Measures Along the Assam-Arunachal Border
File image of the injured interacting with the police at a hospital, on August 10. (Photo:PTI)
Guwahati, August 16: In response to recent violent incidents, including a shooting that injured 11 individuals, the Assam government has announced plans to establish a security camp at the Mingmang-Bodoti area along the interstate border with Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative aims to prevent encroachments and enhance safety in the region.
On Saturday, Lakhimpur MP Pradhan Baruah, Jonai MLA Bhubon Pegu, and Minister Ranoj Pegu, along with senior district officials and the Superintendent of Police, conducted a site visit to Bodoti village to assess the situation in the disputed border area.
Baruah emphasized the government's commitment to pressuring relevant authorities to apprehend those responsible for the violence and confirmed the decision to set up a border camp to deter future encroachments.
“We are actively urging the authorities to take action. Our visit to Bodoti village included discussions with Ranoj Pegu, Bhubon Pegu, district officials, and the SSP. Establishing a camp along the border is crucial to prevent further encroachments,” Baruah stated.
He noted that discussions had also taken place with legislators from both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on the challenges faced by residents in the border regions.
“We have engaged with MLAs from Arunachal Pradesh regarding the difficulties on both sides, and our people have displayed remarkable patience throughout this ordeal,” Baruah added.
Baruah expressed concern regarding the response to criminal activities in the border area, urging for quicker action from local authorities.
“Local administrative issues sometimes hinder prompt action against criminals. Our community has shown significant tolerance and patience during these challenges,” he remarked.
He also highlighted the importance of implementing the Namsai Declaration (2022) to ensure that residents in border areas receive the promised benefits and security.
“The assurances and benefits outlined in the Namsai Declaration must be delivered to our people,” he asserted.
Bhubon Pegu pointed out that the ongoing border dispute stems from unresolved issues dating back to the separation of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
“The previous Congress government left many issues unresolved when Assam and Arunachal Pradesh were divided, which is why these disputes persist,” Pegu explained.
He acknowledged that while the Namsai Declaration has resolved a significant portion of the disputes, many issues remain outstanding.
“Approximately 60% of the disputes have been addressed since the Namsai Declaration, but 40% still need resolution. Discussions alone will not suffice; effective action is necessary,” Pegu concluded.
On August 10, a shooting incident occurred in Bodoti village, where villagers from Assam were reportedly attacked by armed individuals from Arunachal Pradesh amid a dispute over alleged agricultural land encroachment. At least 11 people suffered gunshot wounds, with several sustaining serious injuries.