Northeast Desk, 16th December: A meeting was convened at the DC Conference Hall, Yupia, to discuss long-standing inter-state border issues under the initiative of the Papum Pare District Border People’s Forum Committee. The gathering provided an opportunity to engage with newly appointed circle officers of Gumto, Kakoi, Kimin, and Tarasso, updating them on border concerns with Assam.
Rome Mele, Assistant Director of Border Affairs, delivered a presentation on border issues and regional committee reports. DC Papum Pare Jiken Bomjen urged participants to collaborate with Border Peace Committees for coordinated border management. SP Taru Gusar emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and the status quo on the interstate border, particularly in anticipation of upcoming general elections.
While highlighting that no fresh cases of encroachment have occurred, SP Taru Gusar advised Border Peace Committees to promptly report any such incidents. TT Topu, DFO Banderdewa, shared that interstate borders under his jurisdiction fall under reserve forest areas. The Forest Department has increased patrolling to protect forests and wildlife in these regions.
Nabam Akin, President of Papum Pare District Border People’s Forum Committee, raised concerns about a recent incident where an Assam survey team collected soil samples in Bogoli without notifying the Papumpare district administration. He urged the swift resolution of boundary issues and emphasized adherence to the 1979 agreement, signed by the Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, to share information on border activities.
After comprehensive discussions, the meeting resolved that both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh should maintain the status quo and support peace committee initiatives at the block and circle levels. The meeting was attended by various officials, including SDPO R Obing, EAC Dani Rikang, CO Gumto Afa Phassang, CO Tarasso Dr. Leegang Ampi, CO Kakoi Rongni Bagang, and members of PPDBPF.
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