Arunachal's Longding rally against insurgency: Locals claim 90 abductions since 2018 despite AFSPA

In a powerful show of unity and public outcry against years of insurgency-related violence, a massive “United Peace Rally” was held in the Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday. 

The rally, spearheaded by the Wancho Council, witnessed participation from hundreds of people, cutting across age and gender, demanding an immediate end to abductions, extortion, and killings by insurgent groups.

Members from various Wancho community-based organisations took part in the rally, including the Wancho Wangham Council, Longding District Students Union, Gaon Burahs, Zilla Parishad Chairpersons (ZPCs), ZPMs, and Market Welfare Associations from Longding, Kanubari, Pongchau, Tissa, and Wakka.

Protesters marched through the main roads of Longding town carrying banners and placards that read “Stop Insurgency,” “No More Bloodshed,” and “Peace for Longding.” 

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The rally culminated at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, where community representatives met with DC Bekir Nyorak and submitted a memorandum urging swift government action to curb insurgent activities.

Speaking at the event, participants condemned the sustained climate of fear under which civilians have lived for years. “We are trapped between insurgents and security forces. Our people are the scapegoats,” one elder said.

Despite the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) being in force, the district has recorded over 90 abduction cases by militant groups since 2018, raising serious questions about the security framework.

The rally marks one of the largest civil society-led movements against insurgency in the district in recent years, signaling rising public frustration and a strong demand for peace and normalcy.