Violence in Itanagar during shutdown call by PAJSC; Arunachal Pradesh govt calls off swearing ceremony of new APPSC Chairman and members

Pointing out that the agitation has received massive public support, the aspirant opined that the forces have to be wise in dealing with the people.

Violence erupted during the shutdown call by the Pan Arunachal Joint Steering Committee or the PAJSC opposing the oath taking ceremony of the new APPSC chairman and other members.

Stone pelting incidents were reported in which some vehicles were damaged, followed by protestors clashing with police.

The situation escalated as the protestors defied orders by the government terming the bandh call as illegal and took to the streets in large numbers.

Meanwhile, taking strong exception of the prevailing situation the Arunachal Cabinet called off the swearing in ceremony of the new APPSC Chairman and other members. This was decided in an emergency cabinet meeting held virtually today. The Pema Khandu cabinet further decided that this matter will be discussed with all Community Based Organisations besides other stakeholders.

Speaking to Northeast Live in front of a damaged vehicle, one of the aspirants said, that “the security forces must know how to deal with the public. Till now the situation is very serious.”

Pointing out that the agitation has received massive public support, the aspirant opined that the forces have to be wise in dealing with the people.

“We are very clear against the oath taking. Our stand will remain till the last moment.”

When asked about the next course of action, another APPSCE aspirant said that it is not pre-defined.
“Everything depends on the situation. Now the government has to deal with the situation and also has to deal with the public,” he added. “If the government does not respond responsibly, inclusively and enthusiastically, that will decide on our next course of action,” the aspirant added.

Meanwhile, one of the parent of an APPSCE aspirant said that the protest is a peaceful one. “We believe in non-violence, but attrocities of police personnel were too much. Many of our women protestors were beaten and we admitted them to the RK Mission hospital. One of the protestors is very critical. The public was peaceful, but violence was started by the police administration.”

It may be mentioned, that the new APPSC Chairman and the members will be taking oath at 3 PM this evening.

Earlier, on Friday the Itanagar capital complex administration had declared the indefinite bandh called by the Pan Arunachal Joint Steering Committee as ‘illegal’ and imposed Section 144 prohibiting gathering of 3 or more people within 300 metres of the Raj Bhavan.

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