Mingkeng Osik

ITANAGAR, AUG 16:

A joint delegation of the Adi Ba Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW), Adi Students’ Union (AdiSU), Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), Galo Youth Organisation (GYO) and All Lower Siang District Students’ Union (ALSDSU) met Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Sunday and submitted a resolution adopted at a joint peace and harmony meeting in Likabali on August 13.

The delegation was led by ABKYW president Oki Dai, who chaired the meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Likabali to deliberate on the prevailing tension following the recent incident at Hime village, the subsequent economic blockade and other concerns relating to the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh inter-State boundary.

The resolution called for a free, fair and time-bound investigation into the incident and strict action against anyone found responsible for violence, destruction of property, intimidation or other unlawful activities, irrespective of community or organisational affiliation.

Reaffirming their commitment to peace, non-violence and communal harmony, the organisations urged all communities and organisations to refrain from statements or actions that could aggravate tensions among the Mising, Adi and Galo communities.

The delegation also stressed the need for a permanent and time-bound resolution of the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary issue. It urged both state governments to intensify efforts to resolve boundary disputes, particularly in areas inhabited by the three communities.

The organisations proposed the formation of a Joint Coordination Committee comprising the presidents of TMPK, ABKYW, AdiSU and GYO as a permanent consultative and coordination mechanism for addressing inter-State boundary concerns and other emerging disputes affecting border communities.

The resolution further stipulated that no individual organisation should undertake unilateral action over boundary-related matters, including economic or road blockades, closure of establishments, mass mobilisation or other coercive measures, without first placing the issue before the proposed committee.

The organisations also appealed to all concerned to refrain from carrying, displaying or using firearms, daos or other lethal or dangerous weapons during disputes or confrontations in inter-State boundary areas. They called for strict action under applicable customary and legal provisions against those found using or threatening to use weapons.

The delegation sought appropriate compensation, medical assistance and relief for victims of violence and their families from the respective governments in accordance with applicable rules and provisions.

The resolution also recorded TMPK’s decision to lift or withdraw the ongoing economic blockade in the larger public interest and to create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue, reconciliation and restoration of normalcy.

The Likabali meeting followed the August 10 firing incident in the Dhemaji area, in which several people were injured, and the subsequent economic blockade in parts of Assam that heightened tensions along the Assam-Arunachal border. The developments prompted calls from the leadership of both states for restraint and dialogue.

The joint delegation’s meeting with the Chief Minister was aimed at placing the concerns of affected communities before the state government while advocating dialogue, constitutional mechanisms and a peaceful resolution of the long-standing boundary issue.

The organisations urged the government to initiate appropriate high-level dialogue with Assam towards a durable and mutually acceptable settlement.