Tension escalates at Assam-Arunachal border as Moran community protests for PRC

A tense situation prevails at the Assam-Arunachal border as protests intensify over the long-standing demand for Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC) for the Moran community residing in Arunachal Pradesh. 

The agitation, led by the Moran Students' Union (MSU), has resulted in road blockades, police detentions, and growing unrest in the region.

On February 22, members of the Moran Students' Union blocked National Highway 15 at Dirak Gate, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill. The protesters burned tyres on the highway, chanting slogans demanding PRC for the Moran community. The agitation quickly escalated, prompting security personnel to intervene.

In response, five key members of the Moran Students' Union—Surjit Maran, Manoj Maran, Sarat Neog, Bhugen Baruah, and Kushal Maran—were taken into custody by the police. The detentions sparked further outrage, leading to hundreds of protestors gathering outside Mahadevpur police station in Arunachal’s Namsai district, gheraoing the premises and demanding the immediate release of the arrested activists.

The Moran community, particularly in the Lekang Circle of Arunachal Pradesh, has long been demanding PRC, which would grant them official recognition and access to state benefits. 

Also Read: Moran community demands PRC, boycotts Arunachal Statehood Day in protest

According to AMSU (All Moran Students' Union) leaders, the Moran tribe had been residing in the region long before Arunachal Pradesh attained statehood in 1987. 

However, they remain deprived of the PRC, leading to their exclusion from rights and benefits enjoyed by other recognized communities in the state.

Earlier, on February 20, in a show of defiance, AMSU and residents of Lekang Circle announced a boycott of the 39th Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day celebrations, intensifying their protest. The boycott led to a shutdown in Mahadevpur Town, Mahadevpur Chariali, and Dirak Gate, underscoring the deep-rooted resentment within the Moran community.

The situation remains tense, with authorities on high alert to prevent further escalation. Security forces have been deployed in the region, and the administration is reportedly engaged in discussions to address the grievances of the Moran community.

While there has been no official statement from the Arunachal Pradesh government on granting PRC, leaders of the Moran community continue to push for their rights. 

Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met, warning of larger mobilizations if the issue remains unresolved.