On behalf of the people of Dollungmukh, Raga MLA Rotom Tebin submitted a memorandum to the state government, seeking the cessation of bombing activities by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Dolum firing range. The key demands include immediate stoppage of bombing by the IAF at the Dolum firing range; an urgent dialogue with the IAF for a conditional two-year lease extension to ensure transparency and public safety; and immediate communication with the Government of Assam, directing its forest department to honour the MoU signed on 20 April 2023.
According to the MoU, all six villages under the Dollungmukh subdivision fall within Arunachal Pradesh’ jurisdiction. Of these, three villages are partially located within the bombing range.
Home Minister Amit Shah witnessed the signing of documents between the Governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, which state that any matter affecting these villages should be dealt with solely by the Arunachal government, the Government of India, and the IAF – not by the Assam government.
The villagers have alleged that the IAF continues to coordinate with Assam authorities on matters concerning Dollungmukh.
The state needs to revisit these demands, as for many years the people of the area have been calling for a cessation of IAF activities. The longstanding issue of the disputed boundary must also be resolved once and for all, so that the civilian population can have a say in their own affairs. Over the years, the villagers have been protesting against the bombing range, citing safety concerns. They cannot be expected to live in constant fear. Since the IAF is aware that the villagers oppose the range, it would make sense to at least inform them in advance about bombing schedules. This could be a first step toward resolving the contentious issue.