ITANAGAR: A seemingly ordinary road rage incident in Namsai district escalated into a violent confrontation between two groups prompting the administration to enforce Section 144, restricting the assembly of large groups in the district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The incident unfolded on the evening of January 13, when a car, allegedly being driven recklessly, narrowly avoided colliding with the vehicle of Krutasi Makat en route to Koseng village.
Enraged by the close call, Makat, accompanied by two friends, pursued the offending vehicle and intercepted it in the local market area.
Tensions escalated as a verbal altercation ensued, with the driver of the car, identified as Badal Tanti, reportedly calling upon his family and friends for support.
The situation quickly spiralled out of control, resulting in a clash involving around 20 individuals.
Reports suggest that the altercation escalated to the point where a firearm was discharged.
Swift response from security forces managed to bring the situation under control.
However, in the aftermath, the district administration imposed Section 144 of the CrPC to prevent further gatherings that could fuel unrest.
Namsai Superintendent of Police, Sangey Thinley, assured that the situation is now stabilised.
He told the local press that a total of 15 individuals from both groups sustained injuries during the incident.
While the injuries were not deemed severe, all the injured were referred to the AMC in Dibrugarh, Assam for medical attention.
In the wake of the clash, some groups initiated road blockades at the Dirak gate and the Mahadevpur bridge area, causing disruptions.
Fortunately, the blockades were later lifted.
Amidst the aftermath, the All Tai Khamti Singpho Students’ Union (ATKSSU) submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner, urging the arrest of Tanti.
The union demanded that Tanti be detained under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2014.
The district administration is now faced with the challenge of maintaining peace and addressing the concerns raised by various groups in the aftermath of this unexpected and violent clash.
