APPSC Paper Leak Issue: People ignore CM Khandu’s call for peace, hit the road in large numbers on Day 2 of bandh called by public

Internet shut down continues in Itanagar and the situation in the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh remains tense and volatile

Situation in Itanagar, the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh continues to be tense and volatile today, day two of the bandh called by the public led by Pan Arunachal Joint Steering Committee (PAJSC) to express their anger and dissatisfaction over the alleged improper handling of the APPSC paper leak case and the recent announcement to appoint a new Chairman and members of the APPSC. The bandh was earlier called just for 12 hours on Friday but got extended to today. It is likely to continue till 21 February.

Large number of youth hit the streets of Itanagar this morning and raised anti-government, anti-CM slogans. Protestors were seen carrying umbrellas to beat the scorching sun as they decided to come out and make their voices heard. They ignored imposition of Section 144 that has been in place since yesterday prohibiting gatherings of more than 3 people anywhere near the Itanagar Capital Complex.

The protestors also ignored Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s call for peace and calm and his invitation for a meeting with the protestors today at 11AM. The protestors did not turn up for the meeting with the CM this morning.
Internet services continues to be shut today. The internet shutdown will continue till tomorrow.
CM Khandu had on Friday appealed for calm and had expressed concern about the clashes that took place during the bandh on Friday between the protestors and the police leaving at least 10 protestors injured.
“On February 18, I invite members of the pan-Arunachal joint steering committee. All stakeholders who want to attend it are welcome at the Civil Secretariat at 11 am,” CM Khandu had said in his message to the people of Arunachal Pradesh yesterday.
“We are more than concerned about the unfortunate paper leak and determined to revive and rejuvenate the APPSC. We have no other intention but to provide free, fair and equal opportunities to our youth through the Commission,” he added.

The probe into the alleged question paper leak begun after a candidate, Gyamar Padung, filed a police complaint on 29 August 2022 stating that he suspected that the Assistant Engineer (civil) examination paper was leaked. More than 400 candidates appeared in the examination that was held on 26-27 August, 2022. The Special Investigation Cell (SIC) of Arunachal Pradesh police was investigating the case. The case was handed over to CBI in October 2022. At least 46 people have been arrested so far for their alleged involvement in the case.
Nipo Nabam, the then chairman of APPSC had resigned on 14 October 2022 taking moral responsibility of the alleged leak.
Arunachal Pradesh has been witnessing bandhs and protests since end of 2022 against the paper leak scam.

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

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