Assam-Arunachal Tension Escalates Over Land Dispute (Img: X)
Guwahati: Tension has escalated along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border after unidentified men allegedly opened fire during a confrontation in a disputed border area, leaving at least 18 villagers injured. Four of the injured are reported to be in critical condition and have been shifted to Dibrugarh Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment.
The incident took place at Mingmang Basti, where a dispute over alleged encroachment reportedly turned violent. According to officials, the confrontation between villagers from both sides intensified before firing broke out.
The firing incident is believed to have occurred following a disagreement over land-related issues in the sensitive border region. Several residents were caught in the confrontation and sustained injuries.
Authorities said medical teams were immediately alerted, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals. Those in critical condition were referred to Dibrugarh for further care.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said officials from both states were in contact to control the situation. He added that the chief secretaries and police chiefs of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh were coordinating efforts to restore peace.
“Assam Police reinforcement has reached the location. We need to de-escalate the situation. At the same time, I have directed the Assam Police that under no circumstances should Assam lose even an inch of its land,” Sarma said.
Additional Assam Police personnel have been sent to the affected area following the incident. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation. The identities of those involved in the firing are yet to be confirmed, and investigations are underway.
The latest violence comes amid a decades-old boundary dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Both states have been engaged in talks to resolve differences through dialogue and official demarcation, but several border pockets continue to remain sensitive.
Officials from both sides are now working to bring the situation under control and prevent further clashes.
