Arunachal Issue : A Joint Representation to Home Minister

25th February, 2019 , New Delhi

JOINT REPRESENTATION TO HON’BLE UNION MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING THE PRESENT LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH

To ,
Shri Rajnath Singh,
Minister of Home Affairs,
Government of India
North Block, New Delhi

Dear Shri Rajnath Singh Ji,

It is with a deep sense of sadness, anguish and concern that we write to you to draw your attention to the continuing deterioration of the law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh, with reference to the violence over the past three days leading to the unprovoked killing of 3 (three) innocents by the police forces till now . Around 15 ( fifteen) people have sustained serious bullet injuries.

The gross mismanagement of the State Government in handling what started as a peaceful protest against the issue of PRC in two districts has brought life to a standstill leading to damages of such magnitude never witnessed before in the history of this frontier state. We are receiving reports that the situation remains volatile and further escalation is expected with the violence and unrest rapidly spreading to other parts of the state. The State Government law and order machinery is in a state of complete collapse.

The situation warrants that the Centre takes a serious view on these developments. The State Government has completely failed and remains a mute spectator to the unfolding events over the past two days. Further complacency and lack of action would not only jeopardize the socio-cultural fabric of the State but also have serious strategic ramifications.

In this regard, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee strongly condemns the action of the Government in the brutal killing of unarmed protestors and causing injuries to several hundreds who are recuperating in various medical centers, in and outside the State.

Arunachal Pradesh cannot afford to lose more innocent lives. It is a matter of shame that your deputy, the Union Minister of Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju, who represents the Arunachal West Parliamentary Constituency, has been indifferent to the sensitivities of the people, the deaths and the ongoing unrest. Instead, he has been indulging in politicizing the issue, discarding blatantly his constitutional obligations to safeguard the interests and safety of his people.

The Chief Minister of the state and his entire cabinet is out of the State Capital and has shown no seriousness in tackling the situation. They have lost the moral right to govern pushing the socio-political condition of the State to an all time low. Under the aforementioned circumstances, it has become imperative that we approach your good office to immediately consider our following demands, in the larger interests of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.

1. Constitution of a Commission of Enquiry on firing and killing of innocent and unarmed protestors ; headed preferably by a sitting Judge of the High Court or a Retired Chief Justice of the High Court.

2. Immediate sacking of Shri Pema Khandu, Chief Minister, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union MoS ( Home Affairs) and Shri Chowna Mein, Deputy Chief Minister.

As you are aware, Arunachal Pradesh remains one of the peaceful states in the North Eastern Region with no history of any home bred insurgency. Inter tribal amity and peaceful co-existence have been the hallmarks of this strategic state which has a sensitive and long international border with China, Myanmar and Bhutan. Due to the strategic importance of the state in the sensitive geo-political region of South East Asia, such unfortunate incidents will only go on to tarnish the image of India in the international arena.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the Government of India gives priority to stop further escalation of the same.

Such incidents, if allowed to continue unabated, will threaten the very foundations of Arunachal Pradesh. We hope that in understanding this, you will consider our demands and implement them at the earliest.

With best regards,

Yours sincerely,

(TAKAM SANJOY)
President, Arunachal PCC

(LUIZINHO FALEIRO)
General Secretary, AICC
(i/c NE States) & Ex CM, Goa

(NABAM TUKI)
Former Chief Minister
Arunachal Pradesh