A fresh confrontation flared along the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border on Thursday when protesters enforcing an economic blockade clashed with people from across the line at the Likabali entry point in Silapathar, Dhemaji district. Arunachal Pradesh police fired three rounds in the air to disperse the crowd after stone pelting and scuffles, officials from Assam said.
What happened at the entry point
Local leaders from the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), Mising Mimag Kebang (MMK) and Takam Mising Mahila Kebang (TMMK) launched the blockade on Wednesday and continued to restrict vehicular movement to and from Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday. Only emergency vehicles and school transport have been allowed through, the organisers said.
Assam government sources reported that the clash began when some people from Arunachal Pradesh allegedly pelted stones at the protesters from Assam. Several persons suffered minor injuries in the ensuing scuffle, and law-enforcement personnel from the neighbouring State resorted to firing rounds in the air to control the mob.
Cause and demands
The indefinite economic blockade was instituted after an incident along the inter-state boundary in which 12 residents of Assam were said to have been injured in firing allegedly originating from across the border. The community groups enforcing the blockade have listed three principal demands:
- Early settlement of the long-standing Assam–Arunachal border dispute.
- Action against those allegedly involved in the firing that wounded Assam residents.
- An end to alleged encroachment on land claimed by Assam.
The protesters have framed the action as non-violent civil pressure, but the clash at Likabali underlined the potential for escalation when emotions run high along disputed stretches.
Official responses and appeals
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed for calm and stressed the deep social ties between the two States, noting the role of dialogue and past negotiations in defusing tensions. He emphasised continuing talks aimed at resolving remaining boundary differences.
“I appeal to the people of Assam and Arunachal to maintain peace and harmony. Boundaries may define our States, but they can never divide our hearts,”
The Chief Minister also indicated that most border differences have been addressed in recent years, with only a limited number of villages yet to be resolved through ongoing discussions.
On-the-ground impact
For residents in and around Silapathar and the adjoining foothill areas, the blockade has immediate practical consequences. Movement of goods and private travel to Arunachal Pradesh has been curtailed, affecting daily commuters, traders and services that rely on cross-border connectivity. The organisers have allowed essential movement for specified categories, but uncertainty remains while the protest continues.
| Item | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Likabali entry point, Silapathar, Dhemaji district |
| Enforcing groups | Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), Mising Mimag Kebang (MMK), Takam Mising Mahila Kebang (TMMK) |
| Casualties | Multiple minor injuries reported; earlier incident cited with 12 Assam residents injured |
| Police action | Arunachal Pradesh police fired three rounds in the air |
Broader context
The Assam–Arunachal Pradesh boundary has been a sensitive issue for decades. After Arunachal Pradesh attained statehood in 1987, some localities historically administered by Assam became part of the new State following recommendations of a tripartite committee. Assam challenged certain transfers and the matter remains sub judice. Local communities sharing fluid social, cultural and economic ties across the boundary often find themselves affected when administrative or territorial disagreements re-emerge.
With protests now in place and law-and-order responses visible on the ground, authorities in both States are under pressure to prevent further escalation. Officials from Assam confirmed their awareness of the clashes and described the firing in the air as a crowd-control measure taken by Arunachal Pradesh police.
What residents should know
- Only emergency and school transport are being permitted through the affected entry points at present.
- Travellers and traders planning cross-border movement are advised to seek official updates before starting journeys.
- Authorities may impose temporary restrictions while talks and security reviews continue to prevent further violence.
The situation remains fluid as community leaders, district administrations and state governments seek to manage public safety while addressing the underlying boundary and encroachment grievances that triggered the blockade.
