ITANAGAR/DHEMAJI, Aug 13: The Takam Mising Porin Kébang (TMPK) on Thursday temporarily suspended its road and economic blockade against Arunachal Pradesh following discussions with the Assam government and representatives of Arunachal Pradesh.
A meeting was held at the Dhemaji Deputy Commissioner’s office with Assam Border Protection Minister Atul Bora and Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu. This was followed by a meeting at Likabali, organised on the initiative of the AdiSU and ABKYW, involving representatives of the TMPK, GWS, GYO, Galo Students’ Union and ALSDSU.
TMPK president Tilak Doley said assurances had been given regarding immediate action on the organisation’s key demands. In view of the assurances and the difficulties faced by the common people, the TMPK decided to temporarily suspend the blockade.
The organisation has demanded that the persons it named in connection with the alleged attack at Badati-Mingmang – Nirak Ngomle, Taji Nika, Koter Nake and Kamli Nake – be arrested within 48 hours and brought to justice. It also called for a fair, transparent and time-bound investigation and legal proceedings.
The TMPK further objected to individuals attending discussions on Assam soil while carrying firearms or other weapons, and urged the Assam government to take appropriate legal action in case of any violation.
On the boundary issue, the organisation said the Assam government had taken responsibility for initiating steps towards a peaceful and permanent resolution of the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute through dialogue and constitutional mechanisms. It urged that the process be pursued seriously and within a time-bound framework.
The TMPK reiterated that its movement was against “violence, intimidation, injustice” and the failure to ensure the safety and security of people living along the border, and was not directed against the people of Arunachal Pradesh or any particular community or ethnic group.
The organisation said it respected the ordinary people of Arunachal Pradesh and did not want them to suffer because of a dispute or incident for which they were not responsible. It said the decision to suspend the blockade was taken keeping public interest and humanitarian considerations in mind.
Meanwhile, Assam Border Protection Minister Atul Bora urged all sides to exercise restraint and maintain peace, harmony and brotherhood along the inter-state border following the August 10 firing incident in Dhemaji district, in which several people from Assam were reportedly injured.
Bora said Assam Police had already registered a case in connection with the incident, while Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu had assured a proper and impartial investigation.
As directed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Bora held a meeting with TMPK leaders and other stakeholders at the Dhemaji Deputy Commissioner’s office. He also appealed to the TMPK to withdraw its economic blockade in the larger public interest.
Bora said a permanent and peaceful solution to the boundary issue was possible through cooperation among all stakeholders and constructive dialogue. He said boundary discussions between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh would now resume through Joint Regional Committees.
The Assam Cabinet had recently reconstituted the Regional Committees by including new ministers and senior government officials, he said, adding that the move was aimed at taking the dialogue process forward and expediting an amicable resolution to the inter-State boundary issues.