Arunachal CM orders judicial probe into anti-PRC violence

A building set on fire by a mob protesting against move to grant PRC to six communities in Arunachal Pradesh in February this year.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Wednesday announced a judicial probe into the large-scale rioting, violence, and vandalism during the protest against permanent resident certificates for six non-tribal communities, leading to the death of three people and huge loss of public and private properties.

He said that a committee headed by a retired judge will probe into the matter to ensure thorough and impartial inquiry so that the real picture of the PRC protest could be unearthed and appropriate action taken against those behind the violence.

“The State government had never intended to move a resolution or Bill in the Assembly over PRC. The issue was misinterpreted causing unrest among the students. The rioting and vandalism happened despite the government issuing a statement that the PRC matter would not be taken up, which meant that the anti-social elements had taken control of the protest with a political motive,” Mr. Khandu said. He said the matter of granting PRC to non-tribal communities has been scrapped and a gazette notification was published accordingly.