Itanagar: Road blockades along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border were temporarily lifted on Tuesday after community-led protests were paused following assurances from both state governments regarding swift action in two recent murder cases involving labourers from Assam.
The protests, led by Mising community organisations including the Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), Mising Mimag Kebang (MMK), and Takam Mising Mime Kebang (TMMK), had disrupted multiple routes connecting the two northeastern states earlier in the day.
Demonstrators demanded justice for the deaths of two Assamese labourers in separate incidents reported from Arunachal Pradesh.
The agitation was put on hold after Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma intervened and promised strict action.
A joint meeting with all stakeholders is expected within the next three days to further address community concerns.
In a statement, TMPK thanked both chief ministers for their swift response to their memorandum seeking justice for the victims — 22-year-old Prabash Doley of Dhemaji district and 29-year-old Shankar Pegu from Biswanath district.
Arunachal Pradesh Inspector General of Police Chukhu Apa confirmed that both cases are being treated with urgency and legal action has been initiated.
Doley was killed on June 18 in Chimpu, near Itanagar, following a personal dispute. The accused, Tai John, is in custody and has been booked under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police have recovered blood-stained weapons and clothing from the scene, and forensic reports are awaited before the chargesheet is filed.
In the second case, Shankar Pegu was allegedly shot by his employer, Tadar Bhai, on July 13 in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley district.
He succumbed to his injuries the next day at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences in Naharlagun.
The accused has been arrested and charged under Section 103(1) of BNS and Section 27(1) of the Arms Act.
“These are isolated criminal incidents, not attacks on any community,” IGP Apa clarified, urging the public to maintain peace.
ALSO READ: High-value crop distribution drive held under CM FARM+ in Meghalaya’s Resubelpara
He added that superintendents of police across districts have been directed to ensure the safety of all migrant workers in the state.
Compensation will be extended to the families of the deceased under a state government scheme, and both investigations are being expedited, Apa said.
TMPK reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and called on the public to continue supporting peace while monitoring the progress of the cases.
