Assam-Arunachal Border Blockade Lifted Following CMs’ Intervention

The indefinite road blockade along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, initiated by Mising community organisations, has been temporarily suspended following a telephonic discussion between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The protest, spearheaded by the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), Mising Mimag Kebang (MMK), and Takam Mising Mime Kebang (TMMK), began on a Monday, involving the blockade of seven strategic roads connecting the two neighbouring states.

The agitation arose in response to the alleged killings of two young men from the Mising community — Prabash Doley (22) and Shankar Pegu (29) — in separate incidents in Arunachal Pradesh within the span of one month. These incidents sparked outrage within the Mising community, prompting the organisations to demand swift justice and government intervention. Following the CMs' intervention and assurances from both the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments about expediting investigations and enhancing inter-state coordination, the protest was put on hold. TMPK issued a statement expressing gratitude for the immediate attention from both CMs and Assam’s Chief Secretary, emphasizing that the protest suspension is a temporary measure to allow the legal and administrative process to proceed. A joint stakeholder meeting is scheduled within the next three days.

Arunachal Pradesh’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chukhu Apa, held a press conference in Itanagar, stating that both murder cases are being investigated with utmost urgency. He added that preliminary findings suggest the incidents were not hate crimes or targeted killings, but individual criminal acts. To ensure peace and worker safety, especially for those from Assam working in Arunachal Pradesh, the IGP has directed district police units to enhance security measures.

Details of the two incidents are as follows: In the first case, on June 18, Prabash Doley, a labourer from Misamora village in Assam’s Dhemaji district, was allegedly killed in Chimpu, Itanagar. The death followed a reported dispute. The accused, identified as Tai John, has been arrested and charged under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Blood-stained weapons and clothes were recovered from the accused’s residence. Forensic examinations are currently underway, and the final chargesheet will be filed post-analysis.

In the second case, dated July 13, Shankar Pegu, a labourer from Borajuli village in Biswanath district of Assam, was reportedly shot by his employer, Tadar Bhai, in the Roing-Tezu area of Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley district. Following the incident, the accused transported Pegu to a hospital in Naharlagun, where he succumbed to his injuries the next morning. The accused is in custody, and a case has been registered under Section 103(1) of the BNS and Section 27(1) of the Arms Act.

IGP Apa also confirmed that the families of both victims will be eligible for compensation under Arunachal Pradesh’s victim compensation scheme. He assured the media and public that the legal proceedings are being fast-tracked to ensure timely justice. These developments come as a result of strong community pressure and the coordinated efforts of the two state governments to manage the sensitive issue and prevent further escalation.