Dollungmukh, Jun 8: Rotom Tebin, the local MLA of the 25 Raga (ST) Assembly Constituency, along with panchayat leaders and senior citizens of Dollungmukh Sub-Division, met Chief Secretary Manish Gupta, during his two-day visit to Dollungmukh. The visit aimed to review the final preparations for the commissioning of the 2000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project, which is nearing completion.
During a brief but critical meeting, MLA Rotom Tebin submitted a memorandum on behalf of the people of Dollungmukh, highlighting serious concerns regarding ongoing illegal activities by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Dolum firing range. 
The memorandum called for the immediate cessation of bombing activities, terming them illegal and hazardous to the civilian population. It also demanded that the Arunachal Pradesh government intervene with the IAF regarding a conditional two-year extension of the firing range lease, which expired on 31st January 2025.
“Despite the MoU signed on 20th April 2023 in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah between the Government of Assam and Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the IAF continues to coordinate with Assam authorities on matters concerning Dollungmukh. This is a clear violation,” stated the memorandum.
According to the MoU, all six villages under the Dollungmukh Sub-Division fall within Arunachal Pradesh’s jurisdiction. Of these, three villages are partially located within the bombing range. The memorandum emphasized that any matter affecting these villages should be dealt with solely between the Arunachal Pradesh government, the Government of India, and the Indian Air Force — not with the Assam government.
“Our people are suffering every day due to the bombings. If any casualty occurs, who will take responsibility — the IAF or the Government of Arunachal Pradesh?” the memorandum questioned.
The delegation also raised concerns over alleged illegal encroachment by Assam’s Forest Department, urging the state to act in accordance with the MoU signed between both states.
The key demands placed before the Chief Secretary were: Immediate stoppage of illegal bombing by the Indian Air Force in Dolum firing range. Urgent dialogue with the IAF for a conditional two-year lease extension to ensure transparency and public safety. Immediate communication with the Government of Assam to direct its forest department to honor the 2023 MoU.
Chief Secretary Manish Gupta assured the delegation led by local MLA Rotom Tebin that the government would examine the memorandum carefully and take necessary steps to address the concerns raised.

---

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

<< Back to News List