New Delhi21 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
Tension has escalated along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border following an alleged firing incident in Dhemaji district that left several people from Assam injured. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said talks are underway between the chief secretaries of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and that further action will be taken after a probe into the incident.
Chief secretaries begin talks over dispute
According to reports, the latest dispute occurred in Hime village under Kangku Circle of Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Siang district after a group of Mishing people from Assam allegedly began fencing work on land claimed by Arunachal Pradesh.
Land dispute sparks fresh border tension
The development reportedly prompted the village head, or gaon bura, of Hime to intervene and question the fencing activity, asserting that the land falls within Arunachal Pradesh. The dispute subsequently turned tense, with reports of firing in the area.
Village head questions alleged fencing activity
Sarma said he has deputed a Cabinet minister to hold discussions with the Arunachal Pradesh government to resolve the differences. He added that the Directors General of Police and Chief Secretaries of both states are already in contact with their respective counterparts.
Assam government seeks talks to resolve
The number of people injured in the firing remains subject to conflicting reports. While Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma referred to eight Assamese being injured, other reports have put the number at 12. The situation is reportedly under control.
China repeats territorial claim over Arunachal
The latest developments come amid renewed sensitivity over territorial claims involving Arunachal Pradesh. China on Monday once again claimed that the region it calls “Zangnan” is Chinese territory and rejected the name “Arunachal Pradesh”, calling it a territory “illegally established by India”.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks after India reportedly published the “standard names” of 27 locations in Arunachal Pradesh on August 7. India’s Ministry of Home Affairs said the move was intended to facilitate the accurate identification of the locations and improve public awareness.
Guo described India’s attempt to replace names used by China with its own “standard names” as illegal and said the move would not alter China’s claim over the region.
Residents raise concerns over alleged encroachment
Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised in Arunachal Pradesh over alleged Chinese attempts to occupy land in the state. Residents have urged the Indian government to take action over what they describe as Chinese encroachment.
Pema Khandu rejects Chinese encroachment reports
However, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday rejected reports of Chinese military encroachment in the state. He said there were no signs of such encroachment and asserted that the Indian Army was effectively patrolling and safeguarding the territory.
