Assam-Arunachal resolved most issues, disputes only in 52 villages: Himanta

Eleven people were injured in a violent clash along the border between the Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, according to local authorities. The incident occurred in the Mingmang Badati area under the Gogamukh Revenue Circle of Dhemaji district, where tensions flared over a dispute involving alleged encroachment by residents of Arunachal Pradesh onto land claimed to belong to Assam. The injured were transported to a nearby hospital before being moved to the Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh for further treatment. The clash erupted amid longstanding territorial disputes between the two states, which share a border stretching over 800 kilometers. While many boundary issues have reportedly been resolved, some areas remain contentious. According to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the majority of boundary disputes have been settled, leaving only 52 villages across five zones unresolved. Sarma emphasized that the recent incident appeared to stem from a local land dispute rather than a broader inter-state conflict. Sarma called for calm and urged both sides to avoid escalation. On social media, he stated that he had ordered the Director General of Police and other senior officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. He also requested that Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu initiate an inquiry and take appropriate action against those responsible. Sarma reiterated his belief that the two states should focus on cooperation and coexistence rather than conflict. Khandu responded by holding meetings with various organizations to address the situation. In a statement on social media, he mentioned discussions held with representatives from the AAPSU, Galo Welfare Society, Galo Students Union, and Dolok Bango Welfare Society regarding the incident near Hime village close to the Assam border. His primary goal, he said, was to promote dialogue and restore normalcy in the region while engaging all relevant parties to ensure peace and mutual trust. The ongoing tensions reflect deeper historical and political complexities surrounding the India-China border regions. Arunachal Pradesh, known as South Tibet by China, has long been a point of contention. This particular incident highlights how localized disputes can quickly escalate due to overlapping claims and sensitivities around territorial boundaries. Efforts to resolve these issues have included agreements such as the Namsai Declaration signed in July 2022, which aimed to reduce the number of contested border villages from 123 to 86. Both states committed to structured regional committee talks to delineate the boundary more clearly. Recently, Assam's government reconstituted these committees during a cabinet meeting in Guwahati to reinforce collaborative efforts toward resolving outstanding issues. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, deploying additional forces to prevent any further incidents. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the clash and identify those responsible. As the situation unfolds, the emphasis remains on maintaining stability and fostering cooperation between the two states to address lingering disputes peacefully.