Funeral Dispute between Chakma Refugees and Locals in Hollongi

Itanagar: A tense funeral-related land dispute erupted into violence on Saturday in the Kokila-Hollongi area of Arunachal Pradesh’s Papumpare district, highlighting the simmering ethnic tensions between Chakma refugees and local indigenous residents. According to local sources, the clash began when Chakma community members attempted to perform a cremation on a disputed plot of land. Local villagers, claiming the land as their own, objected to the act, leading to a heated altercation that quickly turned physical. Eyewitnesses report that both sides engaged in scuffles, prompting the intervention of law enforcement to prevent escalation. While there has been no official confirmation of injuries, the situation was described as volatile, with police deployed to maintain peace and prevent further confrontation. The incident underscores the deep-rooted friction over land rights, identity, and socio-political representation in the region. The Chakma and Hajong communities, originally settled in parts of Arunachal Pradesh under a government rehabilitation program in the 1960s, have long faced resistance from sections of the indigenous population, who see their presence as a threat to demography and land ownership. In the aftermath of the clash, community leaders and civil society organizations have urged the state government to intervene swiftly and constructively. They called for peaceful dialogue and long-term solutions to address unresolved grievances. "The status quo is unsustainable," said a local resident. "Unless the government steps in with clarity and compassion, more such incidents are likely."