GUWAHATI | Tensions along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border intensified on Thursday as an ongoing economic blockade over a recent firing incident escalated into stone-pelting, leaving police and CRPF personnel under attack from protesters.

The situation remained tense along the Silapathar-Likabali highway and in parts of Assam’s Dhemaji and Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Siang districts, following a border firing incident that has heightened tensions between members of the Mising and Galo communities.

The firing took place on August 10 at Mingmang Basti along the inter-state border under the Gogamukh revenue circle of Gerukamukh police station in Dhemaji. Twelve people were injured in the incident, which reportedly followed a dispute over alleged encroachment on Assam land by people from Arunachal Pradesh.

Economic blockade disrupts connectivity

In response to the incident, the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK) launched an indefinite economic blockade on August 12, disrupting road connectivity between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh at several points.

The blockade has particularly affected the Silapathar-Likabali route, a key road link between the two states. Vehicles bearing Arunachal Pradesh registration numbers have reportedly been stopped at several entry points as part of the protest.

The situation deteriorated further on Thursday when protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting. Police and CRPF personnel deployed to manage the situation were reportedly targeted from both sides.

Authorities have appealed to protesters and residents to exercise restraint and maintain peace, warning against actions that could further aggravate tensions between the neighbouring states.

Protest groups demand arrests

The TMPK, along with the Mising Mimag Kebang (MMK) and Takam Mising Mahila Kebang (TMMK), has demanded the arrest of those allegedly involved in the August 10 firing and their handover to Assam Police.

The organisations have also called for an early settlement of the long-standing Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute and demanded an end to what they describe as encroachment on Assam territory.

The latest confrontation has revived concerns over the potential for local disputes along the inter-state boundary to trigger wider tensions between communities living on either side.

Border dispute remains unresolved

Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share an 804.1-km inter-state boundary, with several areas along the border remaining disputed.

The two states have been pursuing a negotiated settlement through regional mechanisms and the Namsai Declaration framework. However, periodic disputes over land and alleged encroachment continue to create tensions in border areas.

With the situation remaining sensitive, security forces and civil administration officials are closely monitoring the affected areas.

Authorities have urged all stakeholders to avoid provocative actions and allow dialogue and established mechanisms to address the border dispute, amid efforts to prevent the latest confrontation from escalating further.