Assam-Arunachal border: Fresh clash erupts during blockade, police fire in air

A fresh clash erupted between protesters from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in Dhemaji district on Thursday, forcing police from the neighbouring state to fire in the air to control the mob. The incident occurred as an indefinite economic blockade against Arunachal Pradesh entered its second day.

The blockade was launched on Wednesday by the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), the apex student organisation of Assam's Mising community, and other local groups. They are protesting the alleged firing on August 10 in which 12 indigenous people from Assam were injured along the inter-state border over land encroachment issues.

According to an Assam government official, the latest clash took place at the Likabali entry point in Silapathar in Dhemaji district. “When the blockade was going on, some people from Arunachal Pradesh indulged in stone pelting on protesters from Assam and some persons sustained minor injuries. This led to a scuffle between the two sides,” the official said. He added that Arunachal Police then fired three rounds in the air to control the mob on their side.

The protest is being supported by other local social groups, including Mising Mimag Kebang (MMK) and Takam Mising Mahila Kebang (TMMK). They have stopped all vehicles, barring emergency and school transportation, from entering or leaving Arunachal Pradesh at key entry points.

The organisations are demanding an early resolution of the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border dispute, action against those who allegedly fired on August 10, and an end to what they describe as encroachment on Assam land. Blockades have been set up at Dwarmukh-Banderdewa, Ruksin and Silapathar in Dhemaji, Banderdewa in Lakhimpur, Solengi in Gohpur and Pabhoi in Biswanath.

TMPK secretary Saan Panging said, “Such incidents along the inter-state border are not new, but our government has not taken it seriously. This time, our agitation will continue till all the culprits are arrested and handed over to Assam Police.”

In an effort to resolve the situation, Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora and Education Minister Ranoj Pegu are scheduled to meet TMPK leadership at the Circuit House in Dhemaji. The meeting aims to discuss the withdrawal of the economic blockade.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed for peace along the border. In a post on X, he said, “I appeal to the people of Assam and Arunachal to maintain peace and harmony. Boundaries may define our States, but they can never divide our hearts.” Tagging Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Sarma said the two northeastern states share a bond beyond boundaries. “For generations, our people have lived as brothers and sisters, bound by love, affection and mutual respect,” he added.

Sarma noted that both states have resolved most of their border differences through dialogue in recent years. “Only 52 villages remain, and both Governments will continue discussions in the same spirit to resolve the dispute completely,” he said.

On Wednesday, Sarma had said Khandu “must” order an inquiry into the August 10 firing and ensure that those responsible are punished. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, who was deputed by Sarma to monitor the situation, said Khandu has promised to take strict action against those responsible for the firing.

The border dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh is a long-standing issue, with both states claiming certain territories. The recent violence has heightened tensions, but both governments have expressed a commitment to peaceful resolution through dialogue.