3 weeks ago
Firing along Assam-Arunachal border injures residents amid land dispute
Two neighboring states in India, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, had a big disagreement over land.
The land is near the line that separates the two states.
Some people from Arunachal Pradesh fired guns at people from Assam, and several people got hurt.
Different reports said different numbers of injured people, from eight to eighteen.
The injured were taken to hospitals, and some were moved to bigger hospitals for serious care.
Police were sent to the border area to keep everyone safe.
The leaders of both states started talking to each other to calm things down.
Assam's chief minister said the situation was under control and called it a small, local incident.
The two states have argued about their border for a long time and are working to settle the problem peacefully.
Assam residents were injured in alleged firing by miscreants from Arunachal Pradesh at Mingmang Basti in Dhemaji district on Monday, with reports varying from 8 to 18 injured.
The clash erupted over alleged encroachment by people from Arunachal Pradesh on land in Assam.
The injured were admitted to Gogamukh Rural Hospital; seven were later referred to Dhemaji Civil Hospital in critical condition, and four were shifted to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described it as a 'localised incident' brought under control, deputing Education Minister Ranoj Pegu and coordinating through the DGP and chief secretary with Arunachal counterparts.
The incident followed a reported shooting of a Mising youth near Kangku Circle in Arunachal Pradesh's Lower Siang district, heightening tensions between the Mising and Galo communities.
- Who
- Residents of Assam, including Durgheswar Patir, Rohit Dole, Nagaraj Dole, Biggeshwar Patir, Pame Pegu, Sanjay Tayung, Utpal Dole and Jan Dole, and miscreants from Arunachal Pradesh; Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Education Minister Ranoj Pegu.
- What
- A firing incident in which miscreants from Arunachal Pradesh allegedly opened indiscriminate fire on Assam residents, injuring people at Mingmang Basti.
- Where
- Mingmang Basti along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border in Dhemaji district, under Gogamukh revenue circle of Gerukamukh police station.
- When
- Monday morning, August 10.
- Why
- A dispute over alleged encroachment by people from Arunachal Pradesh on land in Assam.
Assam government and police perspective
Arunachal Pradesh and resolution-process perspective
Nature of the incident
Assam government and police perspective
Police describe escalating border tension, with miscreants from across the border opening indiscriminate fire, multiple injuries confirmed and security stepped up in the area.
Arunachal Pradesh and resolution-process perspective
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called it a 'localised incident' that was promptly brought under control and the tension defused, saying 'there is nothing to do at the state level as such'.
Land dispute framing
Assam government and police perspective
Assam police and the state government say Arunachal Pradesh has encroached on land in Assam (16,144.01 hectares per a July 29 assembly statement).
Arunachal Pradesh and resolution-process perspective
Arunachal Pradesh claims 858.91 sq km of territory, and the broader dispute is being negotiated through 12 regional committees, the Namsai Declaration of July 15, 2022 and a MoU signed on April 20, 2023, with 71 of 123 claimed villages already resolved.
Path to resolution
Assam government and police perspective
The Assam side responds with a deputed minister, police coordination and enhanced border security to protect residents after the firing.
Arunachal Pradesh and resolution-process perspective
The two states are working through established bilateral mechanisms, with 52 villages still to be resolved, while the Supreme Court is still hearing Assam's contest of a tripartite committee's transfer recommendations.
Key facts
- Number injured
- Reports vary: at least 8, 11, 12 or 18
- Location
- Mingmang Basti, Dhemaji district, Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border
- Cause
- Dispute over alleged land encroachment
- Hospitals involved
- Gogamukh Rural Hospital, Dhemaji Civil Hospital, Assam Medical College and Hospital
- Referrals
- Seven referred to Dhemaji Civil Hospital in critical condition; four shifted to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh
- Government response
- Education Minister Ranoj Pegu deputed; DGP and chief secretary in touch with Arunachal Pradesh counterparts
- Shared border
- 804.1 km with 1,200 points of dispute
- Dispute resolution status
- 71 of 123 claimed villages resolved; 52 remaining
Quotes
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Chief minister of Assam
“"While the meeting was underway, a few from the Arunachal side were recording a video, which was objected to by the villagers from Assam. This led to intense arguments. Suddenly, miscreants from their side opened fire at Assam villagers."”
rediff.com
“"There is nothing to do at the state level as such. The situation has been promptly brought under control and the tension has been defused."”
theprint.in
rediff.com
Sources
Assam: 12 injured in ‘firing’ by miscreants along Arunachal border
Firing along Arunachal border leaves at least eight Assam residents injured: Police
11 Injured In Assam-Arunachal Border Clash Over Encroachment Dispute
Assam-Arunachal border clash ‘almost resolved’: CM Sarma
Assam-Arunachal border row erupts in firing, 12 injured
Assam-Arunachal Border Tension Escalates As 8 Injured In Firing Over Alleged Land Dispute In Dhemaji
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