A confrontation along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border turned violent on Monday morning, leaving at least 18 people injured, four of them critically, after firing was reported in the area. The incident took place at Mingmang Badati, where tension had been escalating due to a dispute over 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 ongoing 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 allegedly escalated rapidly, with the Arunachal side resorting to gunfire targeting the Assam residents.
Eight of the 18 injured persons have been identified, and they were initially taken to Gogamukh Rural Hospital. 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, although this 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 stated that discussions were underway between the chief secretaries and police chiefs of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh following the firing incident, and asserted that Assam would not compromise on its land.
Sarma called for de-escalation and said the incident must be investigated to establish responsibility and those found responsible should face action. He also directed the Assam Police to ensure that no Assam land was left unprotected. The incident comes amid the long-standing boundary dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, with several border areas continuing to remain sensitive.
