[ Mingkeng Osik ]
ITANAGAR, 16 Aug: A joint delegation of five organizations met Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and sought a free and fair investigation into the Hime village incident, and an immediate and permanent solution to the vexed Assam-Arunachal boundary issue.
During the meeting, the delegation, comprising, Adi Ba:ne Kebang Youth Wing (ABKYW), Adi Students' Union (AdiSU), Takam Mising Porin Kebang (TMPK), Galo Youth Organisation (GYO) and All Lower Siang District Students' Union (ALSDSU), submitted a joint resolution adopted at a joint peace and harmony meeting held at Likabali, Lower Siang district in the wake of the recent incident at Hime village and resultant tension along Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary.
The meeting at Likabali was chaired ABKYW president Oki Dai and attended by representatives from the five organizations.
The organizations called for a free, fair and time-bound probe into the incident. They also demanded strict action against anyone responsible for violence, destruction of property, or intimidation, irrespective of their community or organizational affiliation.
The resolution reaffirmed the organizations' collective commitment to peace, non-violence and communal harmony, and urged all communities and organisations to refrain from statements or actions that could escalate tensions between the Mising, Adi and Galo communities.
The organizations also stressed the need for a permanent and time-bound resolution of the inter-state boundary issue. They urged both Arunachal Pradesh and Assam governments to expedite settlement of boundary disputes, particularly in Mising, Adi and Galo inhabited areas.
The joint resolution further proposed the formation of a Joint Coordination Committee comprising the presidents of TMPK, ABKYW, AdiSU and GYO.
The committee is envisaged as a permanent consultative and coordination mechanism for addressing inter-state boundary concerns and other emerging disputes affecting the communities residing along boundary areas.
Additionally, the organisations resolved that "no individual organisation would undertake unilateral action in connection with boundary-related matters, including economic blockades, road blockades, closure of establishments, mass mobilisation or other coercive measures, without first placing the matter before the proposed Joint Coordination Committee."
The organisations appealed to all concerned to refrain from carrying, displaying or using firearms, daos or other lethal or dangerous weapons in connection with disputes or confrontations in the inter-state boundary areas.
They further called for strict action under applicable customary and legal provisions against persons found using or threatening to use weapons.
The delegation also placed before the Chief Minister the demand for appropriate compensation, medical assistance and relief for victims of violence and their families from the respective governments, in accordance with applicable rules and provisions.
The resolution also took note of the decision of TMPK to withdraw the ongoing economic blockade in larger public interest to help create an atmosphere conducive for dialogue, reconciliation and restoration of normalcy.
The delegation expressed its collective commitment to maintaining peace, communal harmony and normalcy and urged the government to initiate appropriate high-level dialogue with Assam towards a durable and mutually acceptable settlement.
