Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday, 10 August said the situation stemming from a violent clash between residents of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh along the Dhemaji district border was 'almost resolved', as both state governments intensified coordination to prevent further escalation. At least 18 people were injured in the incident, with four in critical condition.

What Triggered the Clash

Tensions erupted following a firing incident at Mingmang Basti along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh inter-state border. According to preliminary reports, the confrontation was rooted in a dispute over alleged land encroachment in the border area. Unidentified persons from the Arunachal Pradesh side allegedly opened fire during the confrontation, injuring several people.

Separately, a Mising youth was reportedly shot near Kangku Circle in Arunachal Pradesh's Lower Siang district — which shares a boundary with Dhemaji. The youth had reportedly gone missing before being found with an injury to his leg. The identity of the alleged shooter and the precise circumstances remain unclear, according to reports.

Medical Response and Evacuation

The injured were initially taken to nearby hospitals. The four critically injured persons were subsequently transferred to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh for specialised treatment. Authorities have not yet released a full update on their condition.

Government Response

Chief Minister Sarma said the Assam government deputed a cabinet minister, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police to hold direct discussions with their counterparts in Arunachal Pradesh and work towards restoring normalcy in the affected area. The inter-state coordination reflects the sensitivity of the border, which has historically been a flashpoint between the two northeastern states.

Community Tensions and Broader Context

Following the incidents, tensions reportedly escalated between residents of Dhemaji and Lower Siang, with concerns emerging over a possible flare-up. Reports also indicated heightened friction between members of the Mising and Galo communities. The Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute is a longstanding issue — the two states have previously faced multiple rounds of conflict over their shared border, making prompt administrative and community-level intervention critical to containing local incidents before they widen. This latest episode underscores the fragility of peace in the region and the continued need for a durable boundary settlement between the two states.