Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, AUG 27:
The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) has demanded an immediate and permanent solution to the long-standing land dispute involving Hime village under Kangku Circle in Lower Siang district, stating that the issue is more than a decade old and has repeatedly created tension among villagers.
Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here on Thursday, AFTF chairman Tadak Nalo said a team of the organisation visited Hime village on August 25 to conduct ground verification and understand the situation following the incident reported on August 10.
Clarifying the geographical status of the village, Nalo said Hime is not located near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary, but is situated approximately seven kilometres inside Arunachal Pradesh territory. Also, the Namsai Declaration of 2023 establishes Hime village as completely part of Arunachal Pradesh.
Nalo further claimed that the disputed land falls within Hime village and is entirely under Kangku Circle of Lower Siang district.
Nalo said the August 10 incident should not be viewed as an isolated occurrence, claiming that the dispute between the two villages has existed for more than a decade and has continued to cause apprehension among the local population.
Nalo alleged that negligence on the part of the concerned authorities contributed to the situation and said greater responsibility should have been exercised to prevent the issue from escalating.
Expressing concern over the prevailing situation, Nalo said villagers are living in fear and have been compelled to guard their village day and night, often without adequate sleep, due to apprehensions of further confrontation.
Nalo stressed that the people cannot be expected to live under such circumstances indefinitely and called upon the government and concerned authorities to take concrete steps towards resolving the dispute permanently.
It demanded a permanent and mutually enforceable solution to the land dispute between the two villages, rather than temporary measures that could allow the issue to resurface.
It also demanded for stronger administrative and security infrastructure in the area, including the establishment of a police headquarters and Circle Officer’s office at Kangku, to ensure effective law-and-order and administrative control.
The AFTF further called for expediting the construction of the East-West Corridor, stating that improved connectivity within Arunachal Pradesh would reduce dependence on neighbouring states, particularly Assam, and help prevent economic disruptions arising from road blockades or restrictions.
AFTF on behalf of people of Hime village has submitted a letter mentioning all demands to all concerned authorities including the Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Home Minister Mama Natung and the Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Nalo informed
“Immediate administrative intervention and a permanent resolution of the land dispute are essential to restore confidence among the villagers and ensure lasting peace in the area”, ATFT chairman said.
