Patrolling begins in Assam-Arunachal border town

Patrolling began today along Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border to restore peace at Simokho in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, officials said.

"The DC and SP of Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh along with the SP and SDO of Assam's Sibsagar district have started joint patrolling in the inter-state boundary from this morning along with forces to restore peace," DIG (Eastern Range) Robin Hibu told reporters.

Tensions erupted in Simokho since August 14 when miscreants damaged one under-construction barrack of Assam police.

Giving the chronology of events through a power point presentation, Hibu disclosed that on August 15, there was an exchange of fire which resulted in injury of a civilian in the Arunachal side.

Assam police fired at the house of Raja of Russa village on August 17, he said.

"Despite our request to DC and SP of Sibsagar in Assam, police fired 50 shots on Friday," Hibu said while ruling out any involvement of underground elements in the whole episode as claimed by Assam.

"We are constantly apprising the higher authorities of the development and requesting for deployment of neutral force in the disturbed area," he said.

Assam home commissioner Jishnu Boruah will visit the area tomorrow to attend a meeting of the local boundary commission, constituted by the Supreme Court.