Raga MLA Rotom Tebin has urged the state government to immediately halt bombing activities by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Dolum firing range in Dollungmukh subdivision, citing threats to civilian safety and violations of jurisdiction.
Tebin, along with panchayat leaders and senior citizens from Dollungmukh, submitted a memorandum to Chief Secretary Manish Gupta during his two-day visit to the area to review final preparations for the commissioning of the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project.
The memorandum described the ongoing bombing as “illegal and hazardous to the civilian population” and demanded that the Arunachal Pradesh government intervene and initiate talks with the IAF for a conditional two-year extension of the lease, which expired on January 31, 2025.
It further alleged that the IAF continues to coordinate with Assam authorities regarding the firing range, despite a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on April 20, 2023, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The MoU states that all six villages in the Dollungmukh subdivision fall under Arunachal Pradesh, with three partially located within the firing zone.
The memorandum emphasized that any matters related to these villages must be handled solely by the Arunachal Pradesh government, the Government of India, and the IAF, excluding the Assam government. It also raised concerns about the daily disruptions caused by bombing and questioned who would be held accountable in the event of civilian casualties.
Additionally, the delegation accused Assam’s Forest Department of illegal encroachment in the area and called for strict adherence to the MoU terms by all parties.
The key demands included: an immediate stop to bombing at the Dolum firing range, transparent negotiations with the IAF for a safety-assured lease extension, and communication with the Assam government to ensure compliance with the April 2023 MoU.
Chief Secretary Manish Gupta assured the delegation that the state government would thoroughly review the issues raised and take appropriate action.
