Arunachal Pradesh home minister Kumar Waii has appealed to all the unions, civil society organisations and political parties concerned to abstain from calling bandhs and initiating protests in the state taking into consideration the greater interest of the people, especially the students.
Addressing media persons at his office here on Thursday evening, Waii, while referring to the proposed protest called by Congress, People’s Party of Arunachal, Janata Dal (Secular) and National People’s Party on Saturday before Raj Bhawan said, “if protests or movements are initiated by a union or political party, it should be done in a proper and democratic manner.”
Alleging that the recent anti-PRC tension that occurred in the capital was the making of chief minister Pema Khandu and his government had failed to maintain law and order in the state, the opposition parties have demanded the resignation of CM and President’s Rule be imposed in Arunachal.
They have threatened to stage a democratic protest in front of the Raj Bhawan if their demands are not met.
“You have every right to stage democratic protests; however, it should not be at the cost of bandhs and public harassment. Moreover, the CBSE exams are currently on, so I appeal all the unions and political parties to desist from movements that would hamper the studies of our future generation,” Waii said.
Talking about the Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) agitation that led to the loss of three lives and destruction of several government and private properties, the home minister said that the state government has already announced for a judicial probe into it and all the ones responsible for the illegal incidents would be taken into account soon.
“The enquiry committee, to be headed by a retired High Court judge, will look into all the aspects related to the incidents that occurred from February 21-26. All those guilty, may it be bureaucrats, individuals, police or paramilitary personnel will be punished as per law,” Waii said.
In terms of the demand made by families of the three youths who died in the agitation, Waii said it was not in the purview of the law of land.
The families have been demanding the handing over of the culprit(s) to them so that they can punish him/them accordingly or to through tribal laws.
Waii also assured that his department is trying its best to rebuild the public’s trust in the government and police department and inspire confidence at the same time.