ITANAGAR, JUNE 6: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu informed that to date, five persons have been arrested in connection with the Torajan incident in Dhemaji. Further investigations are underway.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Khandu said that the unfortunate incident took place at Torajan, adjoining the Dhemaji area in Lower Siang, where a conflict between two groups occurred, resulting in two reported deaths. According to information, two persons are under medical treatment. A directive was issued to apprehend all the culprits, and on Monday, three persons were arrested, followed by two more on Tuesday, bringing the total number of arrests in the incident to five,” he said.
“I am in touch with the Chief Minister of Assam and even with the MP of the counterpart. The DGP and Home Department of the state are also in touch with their Assam counterparts. The administrations of Dhemaji and Lower Siang are coordinating with each other to maintain peace and tranquility,” said CM Khandu.
“It was not a border dispute but an incident that took place due to a land dispute. The border issue, by and large, has been resolved after several exercises by both state governments. According to the local commission report, 123 villages have been resolved, and some remaining demarcation issues are in progress. A period of six months has been given for proper demarcation on the ground, and the administrations of both sides may carry it forward,” he said.
“During such incidents, a few vested interest people try to flare up the situation, but as per information, there is no serious law and order problem, and both the administrations of Lower Siang and Dhemaji are taking care of it,” added CM Pema Khandu.
“Meanwhile, in a joint representation submitted by Galo Youth Organization (GYO) Apex, Galo Students Union (GSU), and All Lower Siang District Students Union (ALSDSU) to the Deputy Commissioner of Lower Siang, it is stated that the innocent detainees, including the GBs and Panchayat leaders of three villages, were not present either in Torajan village or in their respective villages during the day of the incident. They were attending a Keba (meeting) of Lower Siang at Gensi Circle. Some of the detainees are not from Torajan village, and they were completely unaware of the incident. The law enforcement agency has forcefully arrested many innocent individuals and wrongfully detained them at Likabali Police station.
“The GSU President, GYO President, and ALSDSU General Secretary, in a joint representation, have sought the early release of the innocent detainees. If the detainees are not released early, the mentioned organizations shall initiate a democratic movement. The organizations also seek a free and fair investigation.”
Five persons arrested in connection with Torajan incident—CM Pema Khandu
