Arunachal Pradesh’s Durpai Village Faces Unwanted Proposal in Boundary Dispute

Arunachal Pradesh's Durpai Village Faces Unwanted Proposal in Boundary Dispute

VoM News Desk | September 11, 2023 | 11:32 AM IST | Arunachal Pradesh, Breaking News | Follow on Google News

Arunachal Pradesh’s Durpai Village Faces Unwanted Proposal in Boundary Dispute. Image/changlang.nic.in

In the ongoing boundary dispute between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, the village of Durpai in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Siang district has found itself unexpectedly included in Assam’s territory in a proposed resolution. The villagers of Durpai vehemently oppose this proposal and are expressing their discontent, even threatening to launch an agitation if their demands are not met promptly.

The Village’s Demands

The residents of Durpai, organized under the Durpai Village Development Committee (DVDC), are demanding an immediate correction to the proposed boundary adjustment and insist on keeping Durpai within the jurisdiction of Arunachal Pradesh. While the details of the proposal have not been publicly disclosed, the villagers claim to have learned about it through unofficial channels.

Background of the Dispute

This dispute arises from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments in New Delhi on April 20, with the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to address their border disputes. Regional committees were established to address the inter-state boundary issue.

Villagers’ Concerns

Reli Kena, President of DVDC, expressed the villagers’ dismay, stating that Durpai has been connected with another village in such a way that it falls within Assam’s boundaries as per the MoU. He highlighted that assurances were given by various authorities that Durpai would remain in Arunachal Pradesh. The villagers argue that this move undermines the investments made by the Arunachal Pradesh government in the area.

Village Ownership

The villagers of Durpai assert that they are the rightful owners of the land and are resolute in their determination not to become part of Assam. They warn that if their concerns are not addressed, they will write a letter to the chief minister in their own blood but will never accept Durpai as part of Assam.

Resistance to Verification and Hydropower Project

DVDC General Secretary Regi Bui emphasized that the villagers would resist the regional committee’s visit for the second round of ground verification. Additionally, they will oppose the proposed construction of a hydropower plant in the district if their demands are not met.

Seeking an Equitable Resolution

The villagers stress the importance of an out-of-court settlement that benefits both sides without adversely affecting any party involved. The Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border spans 804.1 kilometers, and resolving the territorial dispute remains a complex and sensitive issue.

This dispute traces back to historical land claims and transfers, and the affected villages, like Durpai, continue to grapple with the implications of shifting boundaries and jurisdictional changes.

VoM News Desk

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