31/07/2026
The Tai Khamti Youth Organisation (TKYO) has demanded a time-bound, independent inquiry into a firing incident "involving personnel of the 8 Assam Ri**es in Arunachal Pradesh's Namsai district, alleging that an innocent civilian was detained while a woman suffered a bullet injury."
In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation expressed concern over what it described as the silence of the state administration and the home department and urged the government to ensure that the investigation is conducted impartially and strictly on the basis of evidence.
According to the organisation, the incident occurred on July 17 when government school teacher Chau Pulimang Hopak and his friend Nang Kalyani Namchoom were returning to Namsai after attending a birthday celebration. The family has alleged that Assam Ri**es personnel opened fire on their vehicle without warning, injuring Namchoom in the leg. Hopak was later detained and booked in connection with the incident.
The TKYO said the portrayal of the two civilians as having links with an insurgent group had raised serious concerns and warranted a fair, transparent and independent investigation.
"It is deeply troubling that an individual whom we believe to be an innocent civilian remains in custody while the victim and her family continue to await justice," the organisation said.
The youth body urged the government and all concerned authorities to order a time-bound probe to establish the facts. It further demanded that if the inquiry finds that any member of the paramilitary force acted unlawfully, used excessive force, fabricated evidence or abused authority, appropriate legal and departmental action should be initiated against those responsible.
Meanwhile, an FIR lodged by the 8 Assam Ri**es alleged that its personnel had launched an operation based on specific intelligence regarding the movement of suspected ULFA (I) cadres in the Lal Pahar area on July 17.
According to the complaint, troops came under fire while approaching a suspicious Wagon R vehicle and returned calibrated fire in self-defence. The force also alleged that two suspects were apprehended during the operation and requested police to investigate the incident and take legal action against those involved.
The matter is under investigation.
MyGov Arunachal Pradesh Mama Natung
