18 Injured, 4 Critical in Firing Incident on Assam–Arunachal Border

At least 18 people were injured, and four were reported to be in critical condition, after firing during a confrontation along the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border on Monday morning. The incident was reported from Mingmang Badati, where tension rose between residents from both sides.

According to preliminary accounts, the confrontation followed a dispute over land. People on the two sides had been raising allegations and counter-allegations about alleged occupation of land claimed by Assam by people from Arunachal Pradesh. Assam residents then went to the area to object, and the argument reportedly intensified into a physical confrontation.

Gunfire reported after altercation

Witness accounts say the situation turned violent after firing was reported from the Arunachal side. The reports described an altercation between two groups that escalated quickly, with the Arunachal side allegedly resorting to gunfire targeting Assam residents. One eyewitness also alleged that an Arunachal Pradesh police officer was among those who opened fire, but the claim was not independently verified.

Officials said the injured were first taken to Gogamukh Rural Hospital. Later, some of them were referred to Dhemaji Civil Hospital for further treatment. Eight of the injured have been identified as Durgeswar Patir, Rohit Doley, Nagaraj Doley, Bigneswar Patir, Pame Pegu, Sanjay Tayung, Utpal Doley and Jan Doley.

Assam says talks are underway

The incident has renewed concerns about tensions along the Assam–Arunachal border, where similar disputes have been reported in the past. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said discussions were underway between the chief secretaries and police chiefs of the two states, following the firing incident. He said Assam would not compromise on its land.

Calling for de-escalation, Sarma said the matter must be investigated to establish responsibility. He also said action should be taken against those found responsible.