Staff Reporter 

ITANAGAR ,Jul 15:  In the wake of the recent killings that have shaken Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF), a collective of apex community-based organizations representing all indigenous tribes of Arunachal, has issued a strong statement condemning the acts of violence and calling for justice without communal targeting.
The AITF expressed deep anguish over the brutal murder of 22-year-old Probash Doley at Chimpu, Itanagar on June 18, reportedly hacked to death with a machete by one Tai John, and the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Shankar Pegu at Roing on July 13, allegedly by Tadar Bhai. The forum described both incidents as “barbaric” and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. It emphasized that these tragedies occurred at a time when both states had been working hard to foster mutual understanding and strengthen brotherhood through regular cross-border dialogues.
In a detailed press statement following an urgent teleconference meeting, AITF stated that while these incidents are horrifying, they must not be seen through the lens of community or regional identity. The forum said that criminals have no community, religion, region, or race — their only identity is that of a criminal. It further cautioned against the “unmindful naming” of any community in such emotive and sensitive episodes, warning that such rhetoric threatens the longstanding tradition of peace and unity that binds the people of Arunachal and Assam.
The forum also appreciated the swift response of the police and other law enforcement agencies in apprehending the accused in both cases. It urged the judiciary to ensure that the cases are tried in a fast-track court, invoking relevant sections of the law including the Arms Act, so that the perpetrators are awarded exemplary punishment. According to the AITF, justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done—firmly and without delay. 
In a strong message of solidarity, the AITF lauded the Takam Mising Porin Kébang (TMPK), Mising Mimag Kébang (MMK), and Takam Mising Mimé Kébang (TMMK) for their responsible leadership and the peaceful conduct of widespread protests held at several inter-state border points such as Banderdewa, Holongi, Kimin, Bhalukpong, Likabali, Ruksin, and Jonai on July 15. The forum expressed gratitude to the Mising organizations for temporarily lifting the road blockade after receiving assurances from both the Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam for justice to the victims.
Acknowledging Assam’s role as a critical corridor for landlocked Arunachal Pradesh — especially for movement of essential goods, medical emergencies, and time-bound public services — the AITF praised the wisdom and maturity shown by the protesting bodies in recognizing the broader needs of both states while still standing firm on their demand for justice.
Calling for unity in action, the AITF reiterated that this was not an inter-community conflict, but a case of individual criminality. It stressed that the society must stand together against crime, not against each other. The forum reaffirmed its commitment to facilitate dialogue between all stakeholders, including leadership from both states, in the interest of maintaining harmony, speeding up the judicial process, and ensuring justice for the victims.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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