Itanagar: In a dramatic turn of events, a suspected cattle thief was apprehended by alert villagers in Khamyir, Papum Pare, yesterday, August 26, after a foiled attempt to steal livestock.
The incident has not only brought to light the audacity of criminal elements but also sparked a serious debate among locals regarding the influx of unauthorised individuals into the state.
According to eyewitnesses, the miscreant and his accomplices were attempting to make off with cows and goats, stealthily loaded into a Tata mobile van draped with plastic sheets to conceal the illicit cargo.
The successful capture of the suspected thief, however, has unveiled a deeper issue. Villagers have alleged that the individual and his associates entered the state without the mandatory Inner Line Permit (ILP), a document essential for entry into Arunachal Pradesh. This breach has ignited widespread concern among residents of Khamyir, also known as Gunko Khamir, a village nestled near the Poma River in the Sangdupota sub-district.
Locals are now questioning the efficacy of existing security protocols and demanding a more robust system to check the entry of outsiders.
In the wake of the incident, the villagers of Khamyir have come together to demand stringent action against the accused. They are also pressing for enhanced vigilance at all entry points to prevent similar transgressions in the future.
Meanwhile, officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network believed to be involved in the cattle theft ring. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by local communities in protecting their property and way of life, while also highlighting the urgent need for a review of security measures at the state’s borders.
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