The Anjaw police have apprehended six individuals from Myanmar for unlawfully crossing into Indian territory within the district. The arrests occurred on Tuesday in an area under Yasong village, Walong Circle, and the suspects were subsequently taken to the local police station.
Anjaw SP Rike Kamsi, speaking to reporters, disclosed that the detained individuals are civilians hailing from Putao, Myanmar. Initial investigations suggest they entered Indian territory while gathering wild mushrooms. Upon their arrest, authorities confiscated Rs. 68,000 in cash, six kilograms of mushrooms, as well as utensils. Charges are being filed under various sections including the Foreigners Act 1946 and Passport Act 1920. Further inquiry is underway to gather more details.
Meanwhile, residents of Anjaw district expressed concerns over the influx of individuals from Myanmar, attributing it to the ongoing civil unrest in the neighboring country. Allegations surfaced that some have sought refuge in Kulung valley, displaying language barriers and prompting calls for heightened vigilance from authorities.
In recent years, the conflict between the Myanmar army and pro-democracy factions has displaced numerous individuals residing near the Indo-Myanmar border, with many seeking shelter in North Eastern states such as Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland. However, this incident marks the first instance of Myanmarese nationals being detained for illegal entry into Arunachal Pradesh since the onset of the civil war in Myanmar.
