Dibrugarh: At least 18 people were injured, four of them critically, after firing was reported during a confrontation along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border on Monday morning.
The incident reportedly took place at Mingmang Badati, where tension escalated following a dispute over the alleged occupation of land claimed by Assam by people from Arunachal Pradesh.
According to preliminary reports, allegations and counter-allegations over the alleged encroachment had been continuing between residents on both sides. The dispute reportedly escalated into a confrontation after Assam residents went to the area to object to the alleged occupation.
“An altercation between the two groups reportedly escalated rapidly, with the Arunachal side allegedly resorting to gunfire targeting the Assam residents,” a source said.
The situation turned violent after firing was reported from the Arunachal side, according to sources.
Eight of the 18 injured persons have been identified as Durgeswar Patir, Rohit Doley, Nagaraj Doley, Bigneswar Patir, Pame Pegu, Sanjay Tayung, Utpal Doley and Jan Doley.
The injured were initially taken to Gogamukh Rural Hospital. According to information available, some of them were subsequently referred to Dhemaji Civil Hospital for further treatment.
An eyewitness alleged that one of those who opened fire was an Arunachal Pradesh police officer. The allegation could not be independently verified.
The incident has triggered fresh concern over tensions along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, where disputes over land and alleged encroachment have occurred in the past.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said discussions were underway between the chief secretaries and police chiefs of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh following the firing incident along the Assam-Arunachal border, and asserted that Assam would not compromise on its land.
“Discussions have taken place between the Chief Secretary of Assam and the Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, and the DGP is also holding talks,” Sarma said.
Calling for de-escalation, the chief minister said the incident must be investigated to establish responsibility and those found responsible should face action.
“Tension must be reduced, and we must definitively investigate who is responsible for the environment and take action,” he said.
Sarma also said he had directed the Assam Police to ensure that no Assam land was left unprotected.
“I have instructed the Assam Police that under no circumstances should we leave behind any of Assam’s land, and our reinforcement has already reached that place,” he said.
The incident comes amid the long-standing boundary dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, with several border areas continuing to remain sensitive.
Further details on the number and condition of the injured, as well as the circumstances leading to the firing, are awaited.
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