Assam-Arunachal border tensions escalate amid economic blockade

Tensions along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border escalated on Thursday as an economic blockade over an August 10 firing incident led to stone-pelting, injuring several people and targeting security personnel. Protesters demand arrests, action against alleged encroachment and settlement of the boundary dispute

Guwahati: Tensions along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border remained high on Thursday as an ongoing economic blockade over a recent firing incident escalated into stone-pelting, leaving police and CRPF personnel caught in clashes involving protesters from both sides.

The situation continued to remain sensitive in parts of Assam’s Dhemaji district and Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Siang, amid heightened tensions between members of the Mising and Galo communities following the August 10 firing incident.

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The incident took place at Mingmang Basti along the inter-state border under the Gogamukh revenue circle of Gerukamukh police station in Dhemaji. At least 12 people were injured in the firing, which reportedly followed a dispute over alleged encroachment of Assam land by people from Arunachal Pradesh.

Following the incident, the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) launched an indefinite economic blockade from August 12, disrupting movement between the two neighbouring states at multiple points. The blockade has particularly affected the Silapathar-Likabali highway, where tensions intensified on Thursday after protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting.

Security personnel, including police and CRPF personnel deployed to maintain law and order, were also targeted. Vehicles carrying Arunachal Pradesh registration numbers have reportedly been stopped at several entry points as part of the agitation.

The TMPK, along with the Mising Mimag Kebang (MMK) and Takam Mising Mahila Kebang (TMMK), has demanded the arrest of those allegedly involved in the firing and their handover to Assam Police.

The organisations have also sought an early settlement of the long-pending Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute and action against alleged encroachment on Assam territory. The administration has appealed to residents and protesters to maintain peace and refrain from actions that could further aggravate the situation.

Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share an 804.1-km boundary, with several areas remaining disputed. The two states have been pursuing a negotiated settlement through regional mechanisms and the Namsai Declaration framework. With tensions still simmering, security forces and civil authorities are maintaining close vigil in the affected areas to prevent further escalation.