Itanagar, June 06: Amid ongoing discussions to resolve long-standing border disputes between northeastern states, a tragic incident of firing has occurred along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, resulting in two fatalities and two injuries.
The incident took place in the Dhemaji district of Assam, which shares a border with Arunachal Pradesh. Preliminary reports suggest that individuals from Arunachal Pradesh crossed the border and opened fire on three individuals from Assam who were engaged in tree and sapling planting activities.
The deceased have been identified as Boga Chutia and Monitu Gogoi, while the injured parties are Puspa Gogoi and Akoni Gohain from Milonpur village.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma commented on the incident, stating, “We are yet to demarcate our permanent border with Arunachal Pradesh. However, in most cases, it is not the neighboring state attacking us. It is miscreants from within our own state who, driven by personal gains and greed for property, perpetrate these attacks. I have instructed the superintendent of police (SP) and district commissioner (DC) to investigate the matter. Border discussions with Arunachal Pradesh are underway, and we will review the situation.”
The Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border spans a length of 804.1 kilometers. Last month, the governments of both states signed an agreement in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, aiming to resolve their border disputes.
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Assam has experienced similar incidents in the past due to disputed interstate borders with other northeastern states. Recently, Chief Minister Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma held a high-level meeting to address border issues in disputed areas.
Condemning the incident, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu expressed his strong disapproval on Twitter, saying, “I condemn the act of violence at the Panbari area of the Assam-Arunachal border in Dhemaji, where Boga Chutia from Borbila Chutiakari village in my constituency was killed, and Monitu Gogoi, Puspa Gogoi, and Akoni Gohain from Milonpur village were injured. The district administration and @DhemajiPolice are at the scene.”
The incident underscores the need for swift action to address border disputes and maintain peace in the region. Efforts should be made to engage in constructive dialogue and find peaceful resolutions to prevent further loss of life and ensure the well-being of the affected communities.
