Assam and Leaders Address Border Tensions Following Firing Incident

Itanagar, India Aug 13, 2026 ALN: Following a recent incident where several individuals from Assam were injured due to gunfire from across the inter-state border, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called on his counterpart, Pema Khandu, to initiate an inquiry into the matter and ensure accountability for those responsible.

Assam's Education Minister, Ranoj Pegu, who was assigned by Sarma to oversee the situation at the border, reported that Khandu has committed to taking strict measures against the perpetrators of the shooting. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the ongoing tensions between Assam and , especially in light of the historical disputes over land and resources along their shared border.

In response to the incident, the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), the leading student organization representing Assam's Mising community, has launched an indefinite economic blockade in protest of the alleged firing. The blockade has resulted in the obstruction of key access points along the inter-state border, including routes at Dwarmukh-Banderdewa, Ruksin in Dhemaji, Banderdewa in Lakhimpur, Solengi in Gohpur, and Pabhoi in Biswanath. Such actions reflect the rising frustrations among local communities regarding border security and their rights over land.

On Monday, at least 12 individuals from Assam sustained injuries due to the gunfire, which was reportedly linked to land encroachment disputes. The shooting occurred on August 10 at Mingmang Basti, located along the Assam- border within the Gogamukh revenue circle of the Gerukamukh Police Station jurisdiction. This specific area has been a focal point of contention, with previous disputes arising over land ownership and usage rights.

Sarma expressed his concerns at a press conference, stating, “We should not fight; we should not indulge in conflict. Ultimately, we have to remain together. I request the Chief Minister to order an inquiry, find the culprits, and punish them.” His comments underscore the delicate nature of inter-state relations in the region, particularly considering that both states have resolved boundary disputes in most areas, with only five sectors still under contention. This ongoing dialogue is critical in preventing further escalations and fostering a sense of cooperation.

In a social media update, Minister Pegu noted that Khandu had assured him of a thorough and impartial investigation into the police firing incident at Bodoti, Mingmang, Dhemaji. “He (Khandu) further assured that those found guilty will be dealt with according to the law,” Pegu added, highlighting the commitment of both state governments to address grievances and uphold justice.

Immediately after the incident, Sarma had dispatched Pegu, a local Mising leader, to assess the situation and facilitate dialogue. This move reflects an understanding that local leaders play a crucial role in mediating tensions and ensuring that communities feel heard and respected. Pegu further indicated that both leaders agreed on the necessity of maintaining dialogue to resolve the remaining border issues amicably.

“I appeal to everyone to maintain peace, harmony, and mutual respect in the border areas and to refrain from any actions that may disturb the cordial relations between the people of the two neighboring states,” he urged. This call for calm is essential, as escalating tensions can lead to further violence and instability in the region.

In solidarity with TMPK, other local groups such as Mising Mimag Kebang (MMK) and Takam Mising Mahila Kebang (TMMK) are also supporting the blockade, halting vehicles with registration numbers at the entry points. The involvement of multiple organizations indicates a widespread community concern regarding border safety and governance.

TMPK secretary Saan Panging remarked, “Such incidents along the inter-state border are not new, but our government has not taken them seriously. This time, our agitation will continue until all the culprits are arrested and handed over to Assam Police.” This statement reflects a growing impatience among local communities who feel that their grievances are not being adequately addressed by the state governments.

The organizations are demanding a swift resolution to the Assam- border dispute, accountability for the “miscreants” involved in the recent firing, and an end to alleged encroachments on Assam land. Such demands highlight the complexities of land ownership and usage rights in the region, which have historical roots and are exacerbated by increasing population pressures and resource competition.

The shooting incident occurred at Mingmang Basti, which lies within the disputed area along the Assam- border in the Gogamukh revenue circle. Police reports indicate that the conflict arose from disputes over alleged encroachment by individuals from onto land in Assam. This pattern of conflict is not isolated, as similar incidents have been reported in the past, often leading to injuries and heightened tensions between communities.

Assam and share an 804.1-km border that traverses several districts, including Udalguri, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Charaideo in Assam, as well as 12 districts in . The geographical complexity of the border makes it difficult to delineate clear boundaries, contributing to ongoing disputes.

There are approximately 1,200 disputed points along the inter-state border between the two states. This staggering number illustrates the scale of the challenge facing both governments in resolving these disputes. On July 29, the Assam government informed the state Assembly that had allegedly encroached upon 16,144.01 hectares of land, with claiming 858.91 sq km of this area. The magnitude of these claims adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations between the two states.

Both states have established 12 regional committees to address the border disputes and are taking steps based on the recommendations of these panels, which have jointly surveyed the disputed areas and consulted with stakeholders. This initiative represents a proactive approach to conflict resolution, aiming to foster dialogue and understanding between the communities affected by these disputes.

A Namsai Declaration was signed by the chief ministers of both states on July 15, 2022, initiating measures to resolve conflicts over 123 villages in Assam claimed by . A memorandum of understanding regarding this matter was subsequently signed by the two chief ministers in the presence of the Union Home Minister in New Delhi on April 20, 2023. Such high-level agreements are crucial in setting the stage for long-term resolutions to the border disputes.

Of the 123 villages claimed by , disputes regarding 71 have been resolved, while discussions are ongoing for the remaining 52 villages. The progress made thus far is a positive sign, but the recent shooting incident serves as a reminder of the fragile state of relations between the two states and the urgent need for continued dialogue and conflict resolution efforts.