SIR hearing over inclusion of post-2006 Chakma arrivals turns violent in Arunachal’s Bordumsa; stone-pelting, clashes reported

A protest over the inclusion of Chakma people who arrived in Arunachal Pradesh after 2006 in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process turned violent in Bordumsa on Friday, September 4, with stone-pelting and clashes reported between members of student and Chakma organisations.

The protest was organised by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), the Bordumsa Students’ Union and several other student and local organisations. The protesters gathered at the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) in Bordumsa to raise objections to the inclusion of the post-2006 Chakma arrivals in the SIR process.

The situation reportedly escalated while representatives of the organisations were holding discussions with officials at the ADC office. An unidentified person allegedly hurled stones at the office, injuring a member of a student organisation and damaging the ADC’s vehicle.

The incident led to further tension, with members of Chakma organisations and AAPSU activists allegedly engaging in a physical altercation.

Police intervened to bring the situation under control and fired in the air and used tear gas, according to reports. Amid the clashes, an AAPSU leader was also allegedly attacked with a machete and sustained injuries.

There were conflicting accounts regarding the firing, and it was not immediately clear who fired the first shot. Police have begun an investigation into the incident.

Following the violence, security was tightened across Bordumsa. While the situation was later reported to be under control, tension continued to prevail in the area.