Digboi: A murder incident reported in February at ‘Tuhi Mill’ in the 9 Mile area of Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district has led to protests and subsequent clarifications after a case of mistaken identity emerged during the public agitation.
The victim, identified as Raju Bhuyan from Assam’s Charaideo district, was allegedly killed by one of his associates, who later fled the scene.
The incident prompted the All Adivasi Students’ Association (AASA), Charaideo District Committee, along with its Margherita Regional Committee, to initiate an independent inquiry.
As part of their protest, the student body staged a road blockade along the Margherita–Changlang road on February 28, drawing attention from local residents and media organizations. Journalists were invited to cover the demonstration, during which certain claims regarding ownership of the mill were raised.
Speaking to NeNow on Saturday, 21 March, the student body called for a high-level probe into the murder by joint agencies of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and demanded stringent action against those responsible.
Initial reports, based on inputs linked to the agitation, mentioned Kamlung Mossang as the owner of Tuhi Mill. Subsequent verification, however, established that he has no ownership or business connection with the property.
Reacting to the development, former Bordumsa MLA Somlung Mossang expressed concern over the inclusion of his brother’s name in the matter. Kamlung Mossang currently serves as an Advisor to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, is a former Cabinet Minister, and is the sitting legislator from Miao.
He further alleged that the development appeared to be an attempt to create a chaotic situation and undermine the bonhomie and goodwill between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, thereby diverting attention from the actual incident.
He called for a thorough investigation into the matter and demanded that the concerned media house issue a clear clarification through appropriate channels.
Somlung Mossang stated that their family resides in Miao and has no business interests at the site in question. He described the earlier reporting linking his brother to the mill as unfortunate, creating unnecessary concern in their locality, and added that appropriate steps could be considered if the issue is not clarified.
A media outlet issued a clarification, noting that the earlier report was based on statements provided during the agitation by members of the All Assam Adivasi Students’ Union (AAASU).
Further clarification came from Journal Minz, who was serving as secretary of the students’ body at the time. He stated that the information had initially been relayed by a manager associated with the mill. A subsequent internal review by the organization found that Kamlung Mossang’s name had been incorrectly raised in slogans during the protest.
Minz stated that no such reference was made in later demonstrations, including the road blockade, and expressed regret over the earlier mention linking Mossang to alleged timber-related activities in the area.