Itanagar: Raga MLA Rotom Tebin has urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to take immediate action against alleged illegal bombing activities by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and encroachment by Assam’s Forest officials in the Dollungmukh sub-division.
Tebin, accompanied by panchayat leaders and senior citizens, submitted a memorandum to Chief Secretary Manish Gupta during the latter’s two-day visit to Dollungmukh to review final preparations for the commissioning of the 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project.
In the memorandum, Tebin raised serious concern over the continued use of the Dolum firing range by the IAF, alleging that bombing exercises were being carried out illegally and posed a threat to civilian life.
He pointed out that the lease agreement for the firing range expired on January 31, 2025, and any further activities should be halted until a conditional two-year extension is negotiated with public safety in mind.
Citing the inter-state boundary agreement signed on April 20, 2023, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the MLA alleged that the IAF continued to coordinate with Assam authorities, ignoring that Dollungmukh falls under Arunachal’s jurisdiction.
“All six villages under the Dollungmukh Sub-Division fall within Arunachal Pradesh. Matters affecting these villages should be addressed directly by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the Government of India, and the IAF—not Assam,” the memorandum stated.
The delegation also alleged illegal encroachment by Assam’s Forest Department and called for strict adherence to the boundary understanding between the two states.
Among the key demands placed before the chief secretary were immediate cessation of bombing exercises, initiation of talks with the IAF over the lease extension and communication with the Assam government to prevent further encroachment.
Chief Secretary Gupta assured the delegation that the issues raised would be examined and appropriate steps taken.
The IAF could not be contacted for a comment on the matter.
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