Dhemaji (Assam), 13 August (HS): Tension prevailed along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border on Thursday after an ongoing economic blockade turned violent, with protesters allegedly pelting police and CRPF personnel with stones on the Silapathar-Likabali highway.

The situation remained tense in parts of Assam’s Dhemaji district and Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Siang district following a recent firing incident along the inter-state boundary, which has heightened tensions between members of the Mising and Galo communities.

The firing took place on August 10 at Mingmang settlement in Gogamukh Revenue Circle under Gerukamukh Police Station in Dhemaji district. Around 11 people were reportedly injured in the incident, which allegedly followed a dispute over claims of encroachment on Assam land by people from Arunachal Pradesh.

Following the incident, the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) launched an indefinite economic blockade of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday, disrupting road connectivity between the two states at several locations.

The blockade along the Silapathar-Likabali route further escalated tensions on Thursday, with protesters allegedly resorting to stone-pelting. Police, CRPF personnel and other security personnel were reportedly caught in the crossfire as stones were thrown from both sides.

The administration has appealed to protesters and residents to maintain peace and harmony and refrain from any action that could further aggravate tensions between the neighbouring states.

TMPK, along with the Mising Mimang Kebang (MMK) and Takam Mising Women Kebang (TMMK), has demanded the arrest of those allegedly responsible for the firing and their handover to Assam Police. The organisations have also called for an early resolution of the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute and removal of alleged encroachments on Assam territory.

Reports said vehicles bearing Arunachal Pradesh registration numbers were being stopped at several entry points as part of the blockade.

Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share an 804.1-km inter-state boundary, with several areas remaining disputed. The two governments have been pursuing a resolution through regional committees and the Namsai Declaration.

With the situation remaining sensitive, authorities are closely monitoring the affected areas and appealing to all sides to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation and maintain peace along the inter-state border.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash