Arunachal intensifies patrolling in inter-state boundary areas

Arunachal Pradesh government has intensified patrolling in the inter-state boundary areas following the June 5 incident at Behali in neighbouring Assam, where a group of armed miscreants burnt a vehicle from the state besides inflicting burn injuries on two persons, the Assembly was informed on Tuesday.

Patrolling and mobile patrolling in association with paramilitary forces have been intensified and all district SPs bordering Assam have been directed to liaison with the districts in the neighbouring state to take measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents, state Home Minister Tanga Byaling said replying to a written question by opposition leader Tamiyo Taga and BJP member Japu Deru.

“Coordination with the Assam police is being maintained at the highest level,” the minister said.

Giving a detailed account on the incident, Mr. Byaling said that on June 3 one Nehru Orang of Serelia village under Assam’s Sonitpur district along with his elder brother Kolai Orang and another person Lobin Orang went to Hatimara forest to collect firewood when allegedly Arunachal Pradesh extremists fired upon them.

“While Nehru and Lobin managed to escape, Kolai did not reach the village. On the following day, when they went back to the forest, they found his body with multiple head injuries. An FIR was registered at Behali police station and inquest was done by BDO Behali. The matter is still under investigation,” he said.

Mr. Byaling said that in retaliation, on June 5, a group of armed miscreants stopped a vehicle from Arunachal Pradesh belonging to T T Tara at Behali and set it on fire inflicting burn injuries on him and his brother in-law.

“Arunachal administration and police have been in constant touch with their counterparts in Assam. Various peace meetings have been held and it was decided that for the sake of peace and tranquillity, the innocent people of Arunachal should not be targeted and blamed for death of Kolai Orang in the forest without any substantive and conclusive evidence,” Mr. Byaling said.