Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu on February 25 held a meeting with community-based organizations, political parties and students’ organizations to work out peace in the state capital.
Itanagar and adjoining areas are marred with severe protests since past few days against the PRC issue in the state. The protests turned violent leading to three deaths, serious injuries and heavy loss to public and private properties.
Chairing the meeting, the chief minister sought cooperation of all organizations for restoring peace in Itanagar. He said due to ongoing crisis in the capital, there is food shortage, people in need of medical care are being deprived, business, schools, colleges are shut. Khandu appealed the organizations to help create favorable atmosphere in the capital city for normal life to resume.
Expressing pain at the loss of three lives, Khandu expressed his condolence and said the bereaved families will be adequately compensated including the injured. He announced Rs 20 lakh and a govt job for the next of kin of the deceased and upto Rs 10 lakhs for those injured.
Terming the violence in Itanagar and adjoining areas as unfortunate, Khandu said there has been communication gap regarding PRC issue that was to be brought up in the assembly session. The PRC matter in the assembly was only for discussion and to make JHPC report on PRC public during short discussion. The matter was no way in the form of bill or resolution.
Also responding to agitation, message was circulated through social media that PRC matter will not be brought in the assembly, he said.
He further expressed regret over loss of public, private properties, injuries to civilians and security forces during the mayhem. He said an inquiry committee to be headed by a commissioner will be formed to investigate the case.
The organisations responded positively to the appeal by the chief minister and assured to form peace committee for bringing normalcy in the state.
