Arunachal: Probe into Yumsem Matey’s killing to be handed over to central agency

Arunachal Pradesh government is likely to hand over the investigation into the killing of former Khonsa West MLA Yumsen Matey to central agency, Tirap DC Hento Karga told Northeast Live.

DC Karga also informed that post mortem has revealed that Matey died of a bullet injury on the head. The body has been handed over to his family.

State Home Minister Bamang Felix has expressed grief on the death of Matey and promised a thorough investigation into the case.

“I am profoundly saddened by the tragic and untimely loss of Shri Yumsem Matey, the esteemed former MLA of 56th Khonsa West. His assassination is a brutal act that starkly contrasts with the values of a peaceful and civilized society. We are committed to a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice, ensuring they face the full extent of the law for this appalling crime. During this challenging time, my deepest sympathies are with the family of the late Shri Matey, as well as his admirers and the entire community of Khonsa West. We stand together in mourning and in the pursuit of justice,” the Home Minister wrote on X.

Yumsen Matey was killed by suspected militants near Raho village in Tirap on Saturday night.

As per reports, Matey and those accompanying him were intercepted by a man when they were on the way to Raho.

The man reportedly sought a private meeting with Matey and took him towards a hill.

The workers who were waiting for Matey heard a gunshot after sometime. The miscreants are suspected to have fled to Myanmar after committing the crime.

Matey was an aspirant for the upcoming 2024 Arunachal Pradesh Assembly elections from Khonsa West constituency in Tirap district.

He was the MLA from the constituency between 2009 and 2014.

Hailing from Ollo community of Lazu village, Matey was elected as MLA from Khonsa West assembly constituency on a Congress ticket in 2009.

He served as parliamentary secretary for Department of Women and Child Development, Social Welfare, Social Justice and Tribal Affairs, and Department of Tirap, Changlang and Longding.

Before entering politics, he served as district adult education officer in Changlang district. In 2015, Matey joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Earlier, in May 2019, then sitting MLA of Khonsa West, Tirong Aboh was also killed by unknown assailants in Tirap.

The Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts of Arunachal Pradesh have been facing insurgency over the years. Over the past few months, Instances of kidnapping and extortion has gone up, especially in Longding. Though the Arunachal government has promised steps to tackle the situation, insurgent activities continue unabated.

Also Read: Fmr Arunachal MLA Yumsem Matey killed