A routine hearing in Arunachal Pradesh’s Bordumsa descended into chaos — and now one of the state’s most prominent student organisations is demanding accountability.
The Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students’ Union (APCSU) came out strongly on September 4, condemning what it described as shocking scenes of violence, stone-pelting, and the alleged display or even firing of a firearm during a hearing process at Bordumsa. The organisation wasted no time in calling for calm, but also made it clear — this cannot be swept under the rug.
In a strongly worded statement, the APCSU expressed its solidarity with those who were reportedly injured during the incident and wished them a speedy recovery. That much felt genuine and human. But what followed was a pointed, unambiguous demand for justice.
The students’ union said photographs and materials spreading across social media appear to show a person allegedly involved in the violence. Rather than rushing to conclusions, the APCSU took a measured stance — urging the police to carry out a fair and impartial inquiry, establish the actual facts on the ground, and identify those responsible for what unfolded.
The firearm angle is particularly concerning. The APCSU specifically called for a thorough investigation into whether a weapon was indeed displayed or used during the hearing. If one was, the union wants authorities to verify whether it was licensed — and if that licence was misused, to take strict legal action. “If any licensed firearm is found to have been misused, the competent authority may take appropriate action as permissible under law,” the APCSU said.
Hearings tied to community rights are already sensitive spaces. Add stones and an alleged gunshot to that mix, and the potential for things to spiral becomes real and immediate. The APCSU clearly understands this, which is why a large part of its statement focused on something perhaps just as dangerous as the physical violence — misinformation.
The union made a direct appeal to the public to stop and think before sharing anything. Unverified news, videos, and WhatsApp forwards flying around after an incident like this can inflame tensions faster than the incident itself. The APCSU urged everyone to verify information through reliable sources before commenting or sharing, and asked people to avoid remarks that could provoke, threaten, or aggravate an already tense situation.
“Let us remain calm, verify the facts, maintain peace, and allow the lawful hearing process to continue without interference,” the organisation said.
It is the kind of statement that sounds simple but takes courage to put out — especially when your community is at the centre of the storm. The APCSU’s call isn’t just for peace. It’s a demand that the system work the way it’s supposed to: transparently, legally, and without fear.
What happened at Bordumsa during that hearing should trouble anyone who believes in the right to a fair process. The stones and the alleged gunshot are symptoms. The real question is what conditions are allowing a hearing to turn this volatile — and whether those in power are willing to honestly answer that.
