Dhemaji, Assam: The Assam government on Thursday said it has identified four persons from Arunachal Pradesh in connection with a firing incident inside Assam territory this week that left 12 indigenous people injured, and has sought their custody from the neighbouring State, officials reported.
Officials identify accused, seek custody
Addressing the media after a meeting with leaders of the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) at the Dhemaji Circuit House, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said Assam Police have provided names and addresses of the four accused to their Arunachal Pradesh counterparts and formally sought custody. The alleged firing took place at Badati village of Mingmang panchayat in Dhemaji district, which Assam maintains is clearly within its territory.
“As per information, four people from Arunachal Pradesh fired on people from Assam at Badati village of Mingmang panchayat in Dhemaji district. The incident did not take place in any disputed land, it was clearly Assam’s territory as per our records,” Pegu said after the meeting, in the presence of Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora.
Local group intensifies protest
The TMPK, the apex student organisation of the Mising community, launched an indefinite economic blockade of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday to press for action. TMPK leaders told officials they have set a 48-hour ultimatum for the Arunachal government to apprehend and hand over the four named in the FIR, failing which the agitation would be intensified.
“We have set a target of 48 hours to arrest the four accused in the firing incident. Otherwise, our agitation will intensify in the coming days,”
TMPK president Tilak Doley said the organisation and other local groups were satisfied with the Assam government’s position on the incident and expect a prompt response from Arunachal Pradesh.
Casualties, chronology and demands
Assam officials said 12 indigenous people from the State were injured in the incident. Assam Police have lodged an FIR naming the four individuals from Hime village in Arunachal Pradesh as accused. Officials also stated the incident occurred in an area that, according to Assam records, is not part of any contested boundary.
- Incident location: Badati village, Mingmang panchayat, Dhemaji district
- Injured: 12 indigenous people from Assam
- Accused identified: Four persons from Hime village, Arunachal Pradesh
- Action sought: Custody of the four accused from Arunachal Pradesh; TMPK 48-hour ultimatum
Assam Police said they would arrest the accused whenever they are found within Assam’s jurisdiction. The police have also transmitted the relevant details to Arunachal Pradesh law enforcement for follow-up.
| Detail | Figure / Status |
|---|---|
| Number injured | 12 |
| Identified accused | 4 (from Hime village, Arunachal Pradesh) |
| Protest action | Indefinite economic blockade by TMPK; 48-hour ultimatum |
Political and administrative context
The meeting at Dhemaji Circuit House brought together TMPK leaders and state ministers amid rising local tension. TMPK and other community groups have sought assurance that the incident will be investigated and action taken without delay. Assam ministers present said the government would look favourably on the demands presented by the protesters.
Border friction between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh has periodically erupted in recent years over village and land claims; however, Assam officials stressed that the location of this incident, according to their records, is not part of any disputed territory. State authorities have transmitted the accused details to Arunachal Pradesh’s administration and urged immediate cooperation.
Public impact and next steps
The economic blockade, if sustained, could affect the movement of goods and residents between the two States, compounding local anxieties. TMPK leaders have warned of an escalation of protests if arrests are not carried out within the stipulated timeframe.
Assam Police officials said they will act to arrest the four accused should they enter Assam, while continuing to pursue inter-state coordination for custody. Further developments will depend on responses from Arunachal Pradesh authorities and law enforcement follow-up on the FIR.
Local residents and community leaders called for calm while urging both State governments to resolve the matter through lawful processes to prevent further escalation at the border.
