Itanagar, Jul 28: Reaffirming the Arunachal Pradesh government's commitment to peacefully resolving the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute, Home Minister Mama Natung on Tuesday said both state governments are working closely to settle all pending issues through dialogue.
Referring to the recent border-related incident in the Tarasso area of Papum Pare distry, Natung said disputes involving five districts have already been resolved following the Namsai Declaration, while discussions are underway to resolve the remaining sectors, including Papum Pare.
He said Regional Committees constituted by both states are holding regular meetings to expedite a mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary dispute.
Appealing to residents living along the inter-state border, the Minister urged the people of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to maintain peace, harmony and brotherhood. He stressed that mutual cooperation and restraint are essential for ensuring lasting peace and fostering stronger ties between the neighbouring states.
Natung was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the newly constructed Fire Station building at Yupia, the headquarters of Papum Pare district, reinforcing the state's emergency response infrastructure.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Doimukh MLA Nabam Vivek, Director General of Police Dr S D Singh Jamwal, Director of Fire & Emergency Services Apur Bitin, Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Mamu Hage, Superintendent of Police Taru Gusar, senior police and fire service officials, public representatives and other dignitaries.
Constructed by the Urban Development Department, Papum Pare, at a cost of Rs 3 crore, the new Fire Station is expected to significantly improve the operational preparedness of the Fire & Emergency Services Department and strengthen emergency response capabilities in Yupia and neighbouring areas.
In his speech, the minister praised the dedication of Fire & Emergency Services personnel in protecting lives and property across the state. He urged citizens to remain vigilant about fire safety and actively participate in awareness programmes organised by the department.
Highlighting the government's efforts to strengthen emergency infrastructure, the Minister said 13 new fire stations had been constructed across district headquarters over the past three years. He added that 337 new posts had been created in the department during the same period, increasing the state's firefighting workforce to 811 personnel.
Natung also highlighted the success of Operation Dawn, the state's anti-drug initiative, saying it had led to the arrest of numerous drug peddlers and the dismantling of several trafficking networks over the past three to four years. He commended the Arunachal Pradesh Police for their efforts in combating drug abuse and protecting the state's youth.
Responding to a request from MLA Nabam Vivek, the Minister informed that the proposal to establish a Category 'C' Police Station at Sangdupota is under process. He also directed the DGP to strengthen police deployment and increase manpower in sensitive border areas such as Tarasso and Kakoi to ensure regular patrolling and maintain peace.
MLA Nabam Vivek welcomed the inauguration of the long-awaited Fire Station and requested adequate police deployment in Kakoi and Tarasso. He also sought renovation of the Doimukh Police Station, citing its heavy workload, and appealed for the construction of residential quarters for Fire & Emergency Services personnel posted at Yupia.
DGP Jamwal stressed the importance of fire prevention and public awareness, urging citizens, builders and institutions to incorporate fire safety measures during the planning and construction stages to minimise fire-related risks.
Following the inauguration, Natung flagged off a fleet of newly inducted Fire & Emergency Services vehicles comprising three fire safety education vans, two water mist vehicles, one rescue tender and three fire tenders. The vehicles will be deployed across various districts to enhance emergency response capabilities.
The programme concluded with a live fire rescue and fire safety demonstration by personnel of the Naharlagun Fire Station, showcasing modern firefighting techniques, rescue operations and emergency response procedures while spreading awareness on fire prevention and safety practices.