In northeastern Assam, an economic blockade has disrupted life along the border with Arunachal Pradesh,following a violent incident that left 11 villagers injured. The blockade,initiated by the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), group representing the Mising community, was response to the August 10 shooting allegedly perpetrated by individuals from Arunachal Pradesh .
The protest,which lasted 12 hours on August 12,2026, primarily affected Dhemaji district. Roads leading to Arunachal Pradesh were blocked, particularly around key access points such as Bhalukpong,Banderdewa, Gumto, and Hollongi. This action significantly hindered the movement of both vehicles and pedestrians.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his deep concern over the incident during a press briefing in Guwahati. He emphasized the need for accountability,stating he had requested his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart,Pema Khandu, to investigate the shooting and ensure that those responsible are punished . Sarma noted that boundary disputes between two states had largely been resolved, with only five areas remaining contentious.
“The incident was painful because we have settled our boundary disputes in almost all sectors,” Sarma remarked . He also mentioned that during a recent Cabinet meeting,the regional committee responsible for addressing the remaining issues with Arunachal Pradesh had been reconstituted.
Tribal Affairs Minister Ranoj Pegu,who hails from Dhemaji, has been actively involved in discussions regarding the escalating tensions. He reported that Khandu assured him of a thorough and impartial inquiry into the firing incident. Pegu also highlighted the importance of resuming border negotiations through joint regional committees.
Reports indicate that tensions escalated further when protestors in Arunachal Pradesh clashed with police . A group allegedly attacked Tago Maga, the Itanagar Sub-Divisional Police Officer, and his team while they were en route to court hearing in Gogamukh, Assam. In light of the unrest, residents of Arunachal Pradesh were advised to avoid travel to Assam.
The border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh spans 804.1 kilometers and encompasses approximately 1,200 disputed points. In a bid to resolve these long-standing issues,the Chief Ministers signed the Namsai Declaration on July 15, 2022. This agreement initially addressed disputes involving 123 villages,which were later narrowed down to 86 through negotiations and joint verification.
The TMPK's blockade reflects deep-seated grievances and highlights the fragile state of relations between the two communities,which share cultural ties yet face significant territorial disputes. As the situation evolves, both state governments are under pressure to address the underlying issues and restore peace along border.
