Normality has returned to Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday following sustained efforts of the state government to restore peace and harmony in the district.

Fourteen houses, including a community hall, were set ablaze by goons at New Mabira, a village near Khai-Hay Nallah under Tengapani reserve forest, between October 12 and 15.

The last incident was reported on Friday night around 7pm when they torched four houses and a shop at Old Mabira.

Talking to this correspondent on Monday over phone, the superintendent of police, Namsai district, Ankit Kumar Singh, said: “Four persons have been arrested so far.

All police stations of the districts are on high alert and the officers-in-charge along with police teams and the army are patrolling the sensitive areas round the clock. All efforts are being made to maintain peace and harmony in the district through peace talks among groups, people and the administration. The administration has accepted the Adi Students Union’s demands which are legally correct.”

A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the incidents of arson and vandalism at New Mabira and Old Mabira villages.

“An SIT has been formed to investigate the incidents. Two senior inspectors are part of the SIT which will be supervised by me and deputy superintendent of police Sepraj Perme. The investigation is in progress. Interrogation is on,” Singh added.

Deputy chief minister Chowna Mein said, “I have visited the affected families at Mabira village where four houses were reduced to ashes in an unfortunate incident on Friday evening. I condemned the incident and instructed the deputy commissioner to provide immediate relief to the families. I also asked them to asses the losses and submit a report to the government at the earliest. I extend assistance for rehabilitation of the affected families. I appeal to the NGOs and students’ organisations to help restore peace. Do not give the incidents a communal colour. Let us work to rebuild the ties between the Adi and the Khampti Singpho communities.”

Deputy commissioner Bijoy Talukdar said, “The situation is normal here today; we are taking all steps to restore harmony.”

Sources said the Adi Students’ Union had blamed some members of the All Tai Khamti Singpho Students’ Union. But the latter denied the allegations. An unconfirmed report said 15 people had been accused of arson.