Pankaj Nath, Assam: Tension along the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh interstate boundary near Likabali escalated on Thursday after stone pelting by some people from Arunachal Pradesh, prompting Assam police to fire four controlled rounds while trying to restore order. Authorities said there were no reports of serious injuries from the incident and the administration is closely monitoring the situation.In recent days, several border areas in northern Assam have seen economic blockades organized by Assamese groups. In protest against a Monday firing incident in the Mingmang Bardoti area that injured Assam villagers, Takam Mising Porin Kebang — a representative organization of the Mising community in Assam — called a 12-hour bandh in Dhemaji district on Wednesday. These developments have contributed to a rise in tensions in the border region.
According to officials, following Thursday’s stone pelting, Assam police responded firmly and fired rounds in a controlled manner to contain the situation. No reports of serious injuries have emerged so far, and conditions are currently under control. Local administration and police personnel are maintaining surveillance at the scene.The dispute centers on sensitive land ownership and boundary claims. Some people from Arunachal Pradesh allege that Assam has occupied land claimed by them. Such longstanding border disagreements have intensified tensions in recent days. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed for peace and harmony between the people of the two states. In a social media post, he emphasized the deep philosophical and emotional ties that bind people across the Assam–Arunachal border, describing the relationship as one of brotherhood across generations. He said differences should be resolved through dialogue and amicable means and added that talks are ongoing.
The chief minister affirmed that both state governments are trying to resolve issues concerning the remaining 52 villages through mutual negotiations. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu welcomed Sarma’s call for peace, stressing the longstanding friendship and brotherhood between the states. Khandu urged that any dispute be settled through dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful methods, and appealed to citizens to maintain peace and mutual respect.Of the 11 people injured in Monday’s firing, all are receiving treatment at Assam Medical College Hospital in Dibrugarh. Officials said the injured are in stable condition and treatment continues. Additional security forces have been deployed in affected areas, and communication channels between officials of both states remain active. Authorities appealed to residents to remain calm and not to pay heed to rumours.
