[Bengia Ajum]

BORDUMSA, 4 Sep: Violence broke out at the office of the additional deputy commissioner (ADC) here in Changlang district on Friday during a hearing conducted as part of the special intensive revision (SIR) process.

Members of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) and some local youths sought the deletion of the names of some Chakma-Hajong refugee settlers from the electoral rolls, claiming that their documents were insufficient.

A heated argument reportedly broke out between ADC Sabadam Tayang and AAPSU members, following which the office was allegedly ransacked.

Members of the Chakma-Hajong community who were waiting for the SIR hearing reportedly became agitated, following which stone pelting began.

There were also allegations of gunfire, with both sides blaming each other for the firing.

"Our members only had an issue with the ADC and were protesting to seek fulfilment of our demands. We had no issue with the Chakma-Hajong community, but suddenly a large number of their people gathered outside the ADC office and started assaulting us. This was an unprovoked attack," alleged AAPSU vice president Nabam Gandhi, who is leading the SIR committee of the AAPSU.

In the ensuing violence, an AAPSU activist, identified as Khoda Lazar, was reportedly attacked with a knife. He was taken to a hospital, where he received six stitches.

Meanwhile, All India Chakma Students’ Union president Drishyamuni Chakma, talking to the media, clarified that members of his community were not involved in the violence.

"Violence was unfortunate. In fact, some miscreants tried to provoke our people and pelted stones at us. We did not indulge in violence," he said.

Meanwhile, reacting to the Bordumsa violence, the AAPSU placed several demands before the state government.

Addressing the media at the Arunachal Press Club in Itanagar, AAPSU president Meje Taku sought immediate suspension of the SIR process in areas inhabited by Chakmas and Hajongs.

"First and foremost, immediately suspend the SIR process in Chakma-Hajong-inhabited areas. Secondly, immediately arrest the culprits and ringleaders involved in the attack on AAPSU activists. The state government should protect the interests of the indigenous community first," said Taku.

He further alleged that Chakmas and Hajongs were using artificial intelligence to target AAPSU activists.

"They are using AI-generated photos and videos to target our activists. Therefore, the state government, particularly the Home Department, should not allow any FIR against AAPSU activists," added Taku.

He also alleged that some local officials in Changlang district were helping the settlers and depriving the indigenous community of the state of their rights.

The AAPSU further announced that it would hold a mass consultative meeting on 12 September on the contentious Chakma-Hajong refugee issue in Itanagar.

"We have given them temporary shelter in Arunachal, but today they are acting against us. Enough is enough, and it is time to act decisively. Therefore, on 12 September, the AAPSU will hold a meeting where we will invite the AITF, community-based organisations, students' unions, youth organisations, social activists, and even political parties. It is time we took a collective decision and moved forward," added Taku.

Meanwhile, ADC  Tayang said that the conference hall of the ADC office was vandalised by supporters of those who had raised objections during the SIR process.

"They also destroyed applications in Forms 6 and 7, damaged a government vehicle, and physically assaulted the electoral registration officer of Bordumsa-Diyun (Gen) Assembly constituency," the ADC stated.

He said also that the violence occurred over claims and objections concerning polling station 49/33-Bijoypur under the Bordumsa-Diyun Assembly constituency.