Assam worker killed in Arunachal’s Changlang; protesters block inter-State road

A murder at 9th Mile in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh has triggered widespread protests, with members of the All Adivasi Student Association of Assam (AASAA) staging a road blockade on February 28 demanding the immediate arrest of the accused.
 
The incident occurred on February 22 at the Tuhi Veneer Mill, a plywood unit operating in the area under the supervision of Kamlu Mossang. The victim, 20-year-old Raju Bhuyan from Bogaribari in Assam’s Charaideo district, was employed at the mill.

According to reports, Bhuyan was allegedly stabbed in the chest with a dagger by his co-worker, identified as Aditya Roy, at the workers’ sleeping quarters. The accused fled the scene the same night, sources said.

Office-bearers of the All Adivasi Student Association of Assam (AASAA) from the Charaideo district committee, with support from the Tinsukia district committee, visited the site and conducted an inquiry into the incident.

The organisation alleged that the Changlang police and district administration did not extend adequate cooperation to its members during their visit.

In protest, the AASAA Tinsukia district committee, in collaboration with its Margherita and Dehing Patkai regional committees, blocked the road in Margherita that connects Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Hundreds of supporters joined the agitation, raising slogans and demanding swift action.

AASAA leaders stated that they would not call off their protest until the accused is arrested. They also demanded that the owner of the Tuhi Veneer Mill provide a one-time financial compensation to the bereaved family.

The several-hour blockade led to long queues of vehicles on both sides of the inter-state road, leaving commuters from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh stranded.