Itanagar: The indefinite road blockades along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, enforced by Mising community organisations, were temporarily suspended on Tuesday following a joint intervention by the chief ministers of both states.
The protests were launched earlier in the day to demand justice for the killings of two Assam-based labourers in separate incidents in Arunachal Pradesh. However, the blockades were called off after assurances from state authorities and police that the culprits would be swiftly brought to justice.
According to officials, a joint meeting involving all key stakeholder organisations is expected within the next three days to further address concerns.
CMs Respond to Protesters’ Memorandum
The Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), along with the Mising Mimag Kebang and Takam Mising Mime Kebang, spearheaded the protest and later issued a statement expressing gratitude to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for their prompt response to their memorandum.
The statement reiterated their demand for justice in the killings of 22-year-old Prabash Doley and 29-year-old Shankar Pegu, both of whom hailed from Assam.
Details of the Two Murder Cases
- Prabash Doley, a labourer from Misamora village in Assam’s Dhemaji district, was killed in Chimpu, Itanagar, on June 18 following a dispute.
- Accused Tai John has been arrested and charged under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
- Blood-stained weapons and clothes have been recovered. Police are awaiting forensic reports to file the chargesheet.
- Shankar Pegu, from Borajuli in Assam’s Biswanath district, was allegedly shot by his employer, Tadar Bhai, in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley, on July 13.
- Pegu was taken to the Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences in Naharlagun, where he died the following day.
- The accused is in police custody and has been booked under Section 103 of the BNS and Section 27 of the Arms Act.
Police Appeal for Peace
Arunachal Pradesh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chukhu Apa urged citizens to maintain peace and not take the law into their own hands, emphasizing that both cases were isolated criminal incidents, not targeted attacks on any community.
“All district Superintendents of Police have been directed to ensure the safety of migrant workers,” said IGP Apa.
He added that the victims’ families will receive compensation under a state government scheme, and both investigations are being fast-tracked.
Protesters to Monitor Progress
TMPK, while suspending the agitation, stated that it would continue to monitor developments closely and remains committed to securing justice for the victims. The organisations have appealed to the public to maintain communal harmony during this sensitive time.