ITANAGAR, 26 Aug: The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) has sought the Chief Minister's immediate intervention for permanent settlement of the disputed land issue at Hime village.
In a representation submitted to the Chief Minister, the AFTF said that a team of the organization visited Hime village on 25 August to verify the ground realities and also to get the first-hand information from the inhabitants.
The organization said the 'disputed land' at Hime village unquestionably falls under the territory of Arunachal Pradesh and share no border with Assam. It said claimants from Bodoti village in Assam are located almost 5 km away from Hime village with three Arunachalee villages-Pompek, Ruti and Mingmang-situated in between, and therefore, there is no question of border dispute.
It further stated that as per the statements and historical records of the inhabitants of Hime village, the 'disputed land' was used only as a grazing ground and animal shelters by the inhabitants of both Hime and Bodoti villages and was never granted to the inhabitants of Bodoti village.
"Also, Hime Village is declared as part of Arunachal Pradesh according to the Namsai Declaration, 2023," the AFTF said.
The organization demanded establishment of a police station at Kangku circle near the Hime village for prompt redressal of law and order situation, stating that the nearest police at Likabali is almost 68 km away.
"The historical conflicts in the region and the recent confrontations between different communities make the situation volatile and vulnerable, where a small spark can escalate the situation, putting the people at major risks," the organization said, justifying its demand.
Citing the sensitive nature of the area surrounding Hime village, the organization also demanded an additional Circle Officer's (CO) office at Kangku near Hime village for effective administration.
The organization also urged the Chief Minister to immediately construct the East-West Corridor to ensure inter-district connectivity within Arunachal Pradesh without disruption from economic or other blockades imposed by neighbouring states, particularly Assam.
