Tension in Arunachal Asom border

Itanagar, Dec 22: Tension is brewing up in New Seren area under Nari circle of East Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh following the reported remarks of forest and police officers of neighbouring Dhemaji district of Asom over the inter-state boundary demarcation.

The statement comes in total violation of the status-quo agreement between both the states, according to sources.

Though the railway line has been the accepted boundary by the people of both sides, the Assam officers during their visit on December 19 and 21 last have reportedly cautioned the people of Arunachal engaged in quarrying in their side to stop their activities as Assam boundary was stretched at least 2 km beyond the rail line inside Arunachal, sources informed.

Dhemaji deputy commissioner's statement given to a vernacular daily of that state has aggravated the situation with the Arunachal residents feeling insecure, representatives of Ramle Bango Welfare Society (RBWS) added.

Nari range officer had reportedly told the Asom team that forest department had taken up massive plantation in the area falling within Arunachal's jurisdiction and pleaded them not to create misgiving.

Anticipating repurcussion in East and West Siang districts, the RBWS has drawn the attention of the district officials to prevent any untoward situation.

It might be mentioned here that Assam Police had destroyed the circle officer's office and desecrated the national flag in the area on March 5, 1997 after the state chief minister inaugurated the office the previous month.

UNI