The long-standing border dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh escalated into fresh violence at the Likabali entry point in Silapathar, located within Dhemaji district. Confrontations broke out on Thursday between demonstrators conducting an indefinite economic blockade and individuals crossing over from Arunachal Pradesh, escalating rapidly from heated exchanges to stone-pelting and physical scuffles. To prevent further violence and disperse the gathering on their side of the border, Arunachal Pradesh Police discharged three rounds of warning shots into the air. No injuries were reported from the gunfire, but the incident has severely disrupted transport links between the two northeastern states. The current crisis stems from a shooting incident on August 10 that left 12 residents of Assam injured, prompting local student and community bodies to launch an indefinite blockade of key highways.
Escalation at the Likabali Border Point and Highway Blockades
Thursday marked the second day of the indefinite economic blockade along the border. According to official accounts, tension flared near the Likabali check-post in Silapathar when a group from the Arunachal Pradesh side pelted stones at the demonstrators stationed on the Assam side. The stone-pelting caused minor injuries to several protesters, leading to a direct physical clash between the two groups. Police personnel deployed on the Arunachal Pradesh side responded by firing three shots in the air to restore order and force the crowd back. Security personnel have since been deployed in large numbers to maintain stability.
The blockade is being speared by the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), the apex student organization of the Mising community, with active support from allied groups including the Mising Mimag Kebang and the Takam Mising Mahila Kebang. Protesters have blocked all commercial and cargo vehicles traveling to and from Arunachal Pradesh. However, essential services, emergency medical transportation, ambulances, and school buses have been specifically exempted from the restrictions.
The August 10 Incident and Protesters' Demands
The immediate trigger for the current blockade dates back to August 10, when violence broke out near the Mingmang settlement under the Gogamukh revenue circle within the jurisdiction of Gerukamukh police station. Clashes reportedly erupted over alleged encroachment onto land belonging to Assam, resulting in firing that injured at least 12 individuals from Assam. In response, organizations representing the Mising community initiated the ongoing indefinite blockade across vital transit corridors.
Demonstrators have set up road blockades at multiple crucial junctions connecting the two states. In Dhemaji district, blockades are active at Duarmukh-Banderdewa, Ruksin, and the Likabali check-post in Silapathar. Additional blockade points have been established at Banderdewa in Lakhimpur district, Solengi in Gohpur, and Pabhoi in Biswanath district. TMPK General Secretary San Panging stated that border incursions and violence have recurred periodically due to insufficient government action. The striking organizations are demanding the immediate clearance of alleged encroachments on Assam land, the prompt arrest and handover of those responsible for the August 10 shooting to Assam Police, and a comprehensive settlement of the border dispute.
Government Response and Ministerial Negotiations
Recognizing the severe impact of the highway blockades on the supply of essential commodities, the Assam government has dispatched a ministerial delegation to mediate. Assam Border Protection and Development Minister Atul Bora, alongside Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, have arrived at the Dhemaji Circuit House to hold direct negotiations with TMPK leadership and associated organization representatives to resolve the deadlock.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken up the issue with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Sarma requested that the Arunachal Pradesh administration initiate a formal inquiry into the August 10 violence and apprehend all perpetrators. According to Sarma, Chief Minister Pema Khandu assured him that strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible for firing upon residents at the border.
Border Demarcation Dynamics Across 804 Kilometers
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share an extensive interstate boundary measuring approximately 804.1 kilometers. This boundary stretches across eight districts of Assam, namely Udalguri, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Charaideo. Owing to historical administrative revisions, there are nearly 1,200 specific disputed points along this border stretch.
In an official statement submitted to the Assam Legislative Assembly on July 29, the state government reported that Arunachal Pradesh has encroached upon 16,144.01 hectares of land belonging to Assam. Conversely, the administration of Arunachal Pradesh lays claim to approximately 858.91 square kilometers of territory currently under Assam's jurisdiction. Defining the border has remained a complex issue since Arunachal Pradesh attained full statehood in 1987, having previously functioned as a Union Territory.
The Namsai Declaration, Bilateral MoU, and Supreme Court Status
To resolve the decades-old border disputes, both state governments constituted 12 regional committees tasked with conducting joint field visits and consulting local inhabitants. These efforts led to the signing of the historic Namsai Declaration on July 15, 2022, by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The declaration established a framework to address disputes concerning 123 border villages claimed by Arunachal Pradesh.
Building upon the Namsai Declaration, a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two states on April 20, 2023, in New Delhi in the presence of the Union Home Minister. Under this agreement, disputes concerning 71 of the 123 claimed villages were resolved, while negotiations for the remaining 52 villages remain ongoing. Although the broader boundary matter remains pending before the Supreme Court of India, ongoing localized clashes highlight the delicate nature of peace along the interstate border.
