Assam: RHAC executive member calls for firm action after vehicle set ablaze at Lampi

Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) Executive Member Arjun Chettri has called for stringent action against those responsible for allegedly setting a Maruti Alto vehicle on fire at Upper Lampi along the Assam-Meghalaya border.

The incident took place during the night in the Lampi area, which falls under Chettri’s Jongakhuli council constituency. According to Assam Police, the vehicle, which was completely gutted in the fire, belonged to Arvind Roy, a jawan of the 28th Assam Battalion.

Reacting to the incident, Chettri linked the development to the prevailing tensions along the Assam-Meghalaya border and referred to the alleged incident involving members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Shillong on August 19. He said Meghalaya Police subsequently arrested the organisation’s president, general secretary and vice-president in connection with the case.

Chettri questioned the continued recognition of the KSU as a students’ organisation and urged the Government of India to declare the outfit a banned organisation.

He also said that incidents of tension along the Assam-Meghalaya border were not new. According to Chettri, since 2010, sections of the Khasi community in the Lampi area have allegedly been involved in incidents including physical confrontations and political activities that, he claimed, were aimed at exerting pressure over Assam’s land.

Reacting specifically to the burning of the vehicle, Chettri described it as a serious criminal act and raised concerns over the security situation in the border area.

“If an Assam Police vehicle can be targeted, then the safety of ordinary residents of Lampi also becomes a serious concern,” he said.

Chettri appealed to residents of Lampi, the people of Assam and the Assam Government to take the incident seriously and ensure appropriate action against those responsible.

While referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of peace and non-violence, he said the authorities must also take firm and effective measures against individuals allegedly involved in attacks or acts of violence.

“Otherwise, they will become emboldened and continue to create trouble,” Chettri said.

The incident has once again drawn attention to security concerns along the Assam-Meghalaya border, particularly regarding the safety of security personnel and civilians residing in the sensitive border areas.