ITANAGAR: Five persons have been arrested by the Arunachal Pradesh police in connection with the firing incident at Panbari in Dhemaji district of Assam.

This was informed by Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu and Assam director general of police (DGP) GP Singh on Tuesday (June 06).

“Five people have been arrested thus far. Three were arrested last night and another two were arrested today morning,” CM Khandu said.

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu further clarified that the firing incident at Panbari in Dhemaji district of Assam was not related to border disputes between the two states.

“This firing incident is not related to the border issues between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. It was rather a personal dispute between the accused and victims,” the CM said.

Miscreants from the border area between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam allegedly opened fire on four individuals, who were engaged in planting trees and saplings on the Assam side.

While two persons died in the incident, two others sustained grievous injuries.

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The deceased persons have been identified as Boga Chutia and Monitu Gogoi.

On the other hand, the injured individuals are: Jagat Gogoi and Puspa Gogoi002E

Notably, the Arunachal Pradesh police registered a case – FIR no 11/23 u/s 147/148/149/302/201/34 r/w 25/27 arms act – at the Likabali police station in connection with the incident.  

“Justice must prevail and the guilty must face the full force of the law. We cannot let such acts go unpunished,” Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu had said.

Meanwhile, Assam director general of police (DGP) GP Singh has informed that the state’s police force will be handed over the custody of the five arrested individuals by its Arunachal Pradesh counterpart.

“Assam police would take them in custody following due procedure,” informed DGP GP Singh.

 Notably, the Assam police has also registered a case – 63/23 u/s 147/148/302/326/307 IPC r/w 25 (1) (a)/27 (3) of arms act – at the Gogamukh police station.

Meanwhile, the Assam government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the victims’ families.

On the other hand, the injured persons will be given a compensation of Rs one lakh each.