Arunachal: Situation tense in Longding district, security forces resort to blank firing, SP injured

Arunachal Pradesh was plunged into chaos today as tension erupted at the Longding District Commissioner's office during the nomination paper scrutiny for the upcoming elections. The situation escalated into a scuffle following the rejection of a candidate's nomination from the Pongchau-Wakka constituency by the Returning Officer (RO).

Amidst the commotion, Superintendent of Police (SP) Dekio Gumja sustained injuries, adding fuel to the already volatile situation. In an effort to control the unruly crowd, police resorted to blank fire, with approximately 40 rounds being discharged before calm was restored.

Meanwhile , the Union Government has announced the extension of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh for an additional six months, effective from April 1. This extension encompasses three districts and specific areas under the jurisdiction of three police stations in another district.

A notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clarified that the Central Government, exercising its authority under Section 3 of the AFSPA, had previously designated Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh, along with specified areas under the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur, and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district, as 'disturbed areas'. This declaration was made via Notification S.O.4231(E) dated 26.09.2023.

The notification underlined a review of the prevailing law and order situation in the state, prompting the decision for the extension of AFSPA in the specified regions. Consequently, Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts, along with the designated areas in Namsai district bordering Assam, are once again classified as 'disturbed areas' under Section 3 of the AFSPA.