Assam, July 30, 2025: The indefinite road blockade at the Assam-Arunachal border was lifted on Monday night following urgent discussions between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The blockade, which had disrupted traffic and caused significant hardship to locals and commuters, was called off after assurances of swift justice and peaceful resolution to the recent violent incidents that sparked the unrest.
Why the Border Blockade Was Imposed
The blockade began on July 26 after a group of local youth in Assam staged protests demanding justice over an alleged assault on Assamese civilians by individuals from across the border in Arunachal Pradesh. The incident occurred near the boundary shared by Assam’s Dhemaji district and Arunachal’s Lower Siang district, an area historically marked by inter-state tension and territorial disputes.
Protesters erected barricades on National Highway 515 and several arterial roads, cutting off crucial transportation links. This action led to vehicular pile-ups stretching for kilometers, disrupted supply chains, and created a humanitarian crisis for travelers stranded in the border region.
CM-Level Talks Lead to Temporary Resolution
After four days of intensifying public pressure and regional tension, both state governments initiated high-level dialogues. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and CM Pema Khandu spoke over the phone and agreed to form a joint investigation team to look into the July 24 incident. Both leaders expressed the need for restraint and cooperation between the border communities.
Following the conversation, district officials in Dhemaji and Lower Siang convened an emergency peace meeting, which was attended by local youth leaders, police representatives, and NGOs. A decision was made to temporarily lift the blockade, pending investigation outcomes and the assurance of safety for Assamese residents living near the border.
Statements from the Chief Ministers
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, “Peace and dialogue are the cornerstones of progress. I thank CM Pema Khandu for his prompt cooperation. We will jointly ensure justice and safety for all residents of our border areas.”
CM Khandu also issued a statement, noting, “The people of Arunachal and Assam have coexisted for generations. I appeal for calm and promise that no act of injustice will go unpunished.”
Protesters’ Demands and Government Response
Protest leaders initially refused to lift the blockade without action, listing five primary demands:
- Immediate arrest of those involved in the assault.
- Deployment of additional security personnel along the border.
- Compensation for victims and their families.
- Establishment of a permanent police outpost at the conflict zone.
- Implementation of the Assam-Arunachal border agreement signed in April 2023.
The Assam Home Department has agreed to deploy 100 additional paramilitary personnel and begin proceedings to set up a border security outpost. Additionally, compensation packages are being discussed for affected families.
Public Sentiment and Ground Reality
Residents in the affected region expressed both relief and skepticism. While many welcomed the temporary relief from the blockade, others emphasized that peace would only be sustained if past promises were fulfilled. “This is not the first time we’ve had to blockade roads to be heard. We want real action, not just talks,” said Nilotpal Das, a protest leader from Dhemaji.
Impact on Transport and Trade
The blockade had a devastating impact on trade and transport. Dozens of trucks carrying essential goods, including perishables, were stranded. The disruption also affected fuel supplies to interior areas of Arunachal, with petrol stations in Pasighat and Aalo reporting shortages.
The All Arunachal Transport Union (AATU) and Assam Transporters’ Association jointly appealed for a quick resolution and resumption of services. “Border issues should not result in economic hostageship,” stated an AATU spokesperson.
Border Dispute Background
The Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border dispute dates back to 1951, when the boundary was drawn based on recommendations of the Bordoloi Committee. Over the years, disputes over land claims and jurisdiction have flared periodically. The situation worsened in some areas due to overlapping land claims by tribal communities on both sides of the border.
In April 2023, both states signed a historic agreement resolving 123 out of 123 disputed villages. However, the July 2025 incident reveals the volatility that persists on the ground despite the agreement.
Role of Civil Society and NGOs
Organizations like the North East Youth Federation, Assam Peace Collective, and Itanagar Students Union played a crucial role in diffusing tension. Their mediation efforts, public appeals, and social media campaigns for non-violence helped tone down the protests and shift focus to dialogue.
Next Steps: Monitoring and Justice
Both state governments have agreed to the following measures going forward:
- Weekly joint patrolling by Assam and Arunachal police in sensitive zones.
- Deployment of drones to monitor disputed areas.
- Quarterly review meetings involving local MLAs and civil society.
- Time-bound investigation of the July 24 assault incident.
- Compensation disbursal within 10 days of report submission.
For official updates, visit the Government of Assam and Government of Arunachal Pradesh websites.
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