Maintain status quo over inter-state boundary issue: AAPSU

Itanagar, Apr 7 (UNI) The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) today opposed the eviction drive by Assam forest officials at Tarasso in Arunachal's Papum Pare district on April 4 and urged the authorities to maintain status quo on the inter-state border.

Assam forest officials, along with CRPF personnel, allegedly carried out the eviction drive in which they demolished two houses, besides damaging property, and took away valuables.

The AAPSU, in a communique issued here, said, ''As a retired Supreme Court judge is heading the Boundary Commission to solve the long-drawn boundary dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the officials of the neighbouring state should maintain status quo and not create problems along the border.'' The union alleged that it was the third consecutive eviction drive carried out by Assam officials, bypassing the status quo.

The students' body also accused the Arunachal Pradesh government of not taking any action against the erring officials.

''It is quite surprising to see that the state government is not protecting Arunachalees who have to face the wrath of the neighbouring state's officials,'' the AAPSU stated.

The union said the eviction drives carried out by Assam in disputed inter-state boundary areas were not only a violation of the status quo but would invite trouble among the people of the two states living harmoniously since decades.

Meanwhile, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Bidol Tayeng, along with MLA Ngurang Pinch, was likely to visit Taraso today to assess the situation, official sources informed.

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