Hundreds march in 'United Peace Rally' against insurgency in Arunachal's Longding

Dibrugarh: Hundreds of residents from Arunachal Pradesh's insurgency-plagued Longding district took to the streets on Friday in a show of unity and defiance, demanding an end to violence and extortion that has gripped the region for years.

The ‘United Peace Rally', organised by the Wancho Council, saw participants marching through Longding town with banners and placards bearing messages such as ‘No More Abduction', ‘No More Extortion', and ‘We Want Justice'.

The demonstration brought together members from numerous community organisations, including the Wancho Wangham Council, Longding District Students' Union (LDSU), local govt representatives, village headmen (Gaon Burahs), and market welfare associations from Longding, Kanubari, Pongchau, Tissa and Wakka.

Beginning at Longding daily market, the procession wound through the main thoroughfares before culminating at the deputy commissioner's office, where organisation representatives met with DC Bekir Nyorak.

"The rally represents the collective voice of our people who seek peace and normalcy in their daily lives. Our people have become scapegoats caught between insurgent groups and security forces. Today, we stand united to say enough is enough. We have presented our demands to the govt and administration to take concrete steps to contain insurgency across the district," said Somnai Wangpan, president of the Wancho Council.

According to local reports, Longding district has witnessed over 90 abduction cases by various militant outfits since 2018, despite the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) being in force. The Wancho community, predominant in Longding district, has faced the brunt of insurgent activities along the Myanmar border region. Local leaders expressed hope that the unified demonstration would prompt authorities to implement more effective security measures.

"Today's rally represents the collective voice of our people who seek peace and normalcy in their daily lives. The constant fear of kidnapping, extortion, and violence has disrupted our society for too long. We cannot continue living in fear," said Nokphe Pansa, the president of Longding District Students' Union.