Assam is our ‘elder brother’: Arunachal home minister amid border flare-up

Arunachal Pradesh Home and Border Affairs Minister Mama Natung has called for peace between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh following a recent border flare-up near Dhemaji and Lower Siang, saying Assam remains the state's “elder brother” and permanent neighbour.

Natung said the situation, which followed a firing and clash near the Dhemaji–Lower Subansiri border, has been brought under control and normalcy restored.

He appealed to residents of both states to maintain peace, communal harmony and the longstanding spirit of brotherhood.

Referring to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's observation that while friends may change, neighbours cannot, Natung said Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share a relationship that must be protected.

He credited the district administrations and police authorities, including the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of the affected areas, for acting swiftly to contain the situation.

Natung also assured that those responsible for the incident would be dealt with according to the law.