A hearing under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bordumsa, Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, turned violent on Friday, with an AAPSU activist reportedly injured and gunfire reported during clashes. Separately, the Chakma Development Foundation of India (CDFI) sought National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) intervention, alleging that Chakma electors were prevented from appearing at the SIR hearing.
3 key takeaways:
- Violence and reported gunfire disrupted the SIR hearing in Bordumsa, Arunachal Pradesh.
- AAPSU activist Khoda Lazer was reportedly injured in an alleged knife attack.
- CDFI approached the NHRC, alleging Chakma electors were prevented from attending the hearing.
The confrontation took place at the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s office in Bordumsa amid protests by members of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), the Bordumsa Students’ Union and other organisations. The groups have raised objections to the alleged inclusion of members of the Chakma community in the electoral-roll revision process.
X Posts by India Today NE, Northeast Live, News18 Assam NE, The Arunachal Times, Northeast Now and Northeast Today said the protest escalated into clashes. They also reported gunfire and an alleged knife or machete attack on an AAPSU activist.
However, the exact sequence of events remains unclear. In particular, reports have not established who opened fire.
AAPSU Activist Khoda Lazer Injured
AAPSU activist Khoda Lazer was reportedly injured during the confrontation.
The Arunachal Times reported that Lazer was attacked during the violence and required six stitches. Northeast Today reported that he was allegedly attacked with a knife by unidentified persons.
India Today NE also reported that an AAPSU leader was injured in a machete attack.
The reports did not independently establish the identity of the attacker. Claims circulating on social media have blamed different groups, but those allegations remain unverified.
Northeast Now also reported that an AAPSU member was injured during the confrontation as tensions rose around the SIR process.
Gunfire Reported During Confrontation
The violence was accompanied by reports of gunfire.
India Today NE reported that the situation escalated into clashes and open firing but said it remained unclear who opened fire. Northeast Live also reported firing and clashes in Bordumsa.
The Arunachal Times reported gunfire during the confrontation as well.
Several videos and competing claims have circulated online. Some allegations accuse members of the Chakma community of firing at officials and AAPSU members, while another claim alleges that AAPSU members opened fire.
These claims have not been independently verified. Established regional news reports available so far have confirmed reports of firing but have not conclusively identified those responsible.
CDFI Seeks NHRC Intervention
Amid the violence, the Chakma Development Foundation of India (CDFI) sought the intervention of the NHRC over the SIR hearing in Bordumsa.
In a statement issued in New Delhi on Friday, CDFI said it had approached the human rights body seeking enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment in National Human Rights Commission v. State of Arunachal Pradesh [1996 AIR 1234, 1996 SCC (1) 742].
CDFI alleged that Chakma electors were prevented from appearing at the SIR hearing in Bordumsa on Friday.
The organisation urged the NHRC to intervene and ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions. Its statement comes as tensions over the electoral-roll revision process have intensified in the Changlang district.
The allegation by CDFI represents the Chakma community’s account of the events. It should not be treated as an independently established finding unless confirmed by the NHRC, district administration or other competent authorities.
SIR Process at Centre of Dispute
The SIR exercise has become a major point of contention in the Bordumsa-Diyun region.
AAPSU and other organisations have been monitoring the revision process and have raised concerns over the inclusion of names they consider ineligible. They have demanded strict verification of applications submitted for inclusion in or deletion from the electoral rolls.
The dispute has also drawn concern from Chakma representatives, who have sought protection and intervention during the electoral-roll revision process.
Earlier proceedings related to the SIR process had already faced disruption.
According to a notice issued by the Electoral Registration Officer and cited by Northeast Now, a hearing on September 3 concerned claims and objections relating to polling station 49/33-Bijoypur.
Of 252 Form-6 applications listed for consideration, 222 were reportedly heard and disposed of. Of 303 Form-7 applications, 150 were also heard and disposed of before proceedings were disrupted.
The remaining matters were scheduled for a hearing on September 4 at the ADC Conference Hall in Bordumsa.
Security Forces Deployed
Security forces were deployed in Bordumsa and surrounding areas after Friday’s violence, according to Northeast Now.
Authorities are now facing the challenge of maintaining order while continuing the electoral-roll revision process.
The latest confrontation has further heightened tensions between groups involved in the dispute. It has also brought renewed attention to allegations concerning access to SIR hearings and the participation of affected electors.
For now, several key questions remain unanswered, including who opened fire, who attacked Lazer and whether Chakma electors were prevented from participating in Friday’s hearing.
The district administration and police are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence as the situation remains tense.
Source credit: India Today NE, Northeast Live, News18 Assam NE, The Arunachal Times, Northeast Now, Northeast Today and the Chakma Development Foundation of India.
