Guwahati: In a tragic incident, former MLA Yumsen Matey from Arunachal Pradesh was brutally killed in Tirap district on December 16 evening, raising concerns over the escalating security challenges in the region. The assailants, still unidentified, carried out the assassination, pointing towards a grim situation prevailing in the insurgency-stricken districts of Tirap, Changlang, and Longding.
Reports indicate that Matey, who previously represented the Khonsa West constituency, was abducted during a function in Raho village within the Lazu circle. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but sources suggest involvement by suspected militants, further highlighting the vulnerability of the region.
Yumsen Matey, a member of the Arunachal Pradesh Assembly, had affiliations with the Indian National Congress before switching to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2015. His political journey also saw him serving as a Parliamentary Secretary, adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding events.
The broader context of insurgency and unrest in the region cannot be ignored, with Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts grappling with issues exacerbated by the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). These areas, sharing a porous border with Myanmar, have become not only transit routes but also hotspots for banned militant groups from Assam and Nagaland.
The recent spate of extortion and abduction cases in the region raises concerns about the safety and security of the residents. This incident echoes a chilling reminder of the 2019 tragedy when National People’s Party (NPP) MLA Tirong Aboh, representing the same Khonsa West constituency, along with 10 others, fell victim to suspected militants.
As the authorities investigate this latest incident, the focus remains on addressing the root causes of insurgency and ensuring the safety of the residents in the troubled border districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The need for strategic interventions to quell unrest and enhance security measures has become imperative in order to prevent further loss of lives in this fragile region.
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