Uneasy calm in Arunachal capital

Rising dissent: A road to Itanagar that was blocked by protesters on Sunday. Special Arrangement

An uneasy calm prevailed in Arunachal Pradesh capital Itanagar and nearby Naharlagun town under the watch of security forces on Monday, a day after widespread violence and arson left a trail of destruction and death.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu held a series of meetings with community-based organisations and students’ unions to “work out peace.” But most political parties, including the Congress and BJP ally National People’s Party, skipped his call for an all-party meeting.

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Three persons have been killed in firing by the security forces since Friday night, when a 48-hour shutdown called by 18 indigenous organisations opposed to a move for granting permanent resident certificates (PRC) to six non-tribal communities turned ugly. Protesters burnt cars, vandalised the venue of the first Itanagar International Film Festival, damaged roadside property and set houses and shopping complexes owned by the ruling BJP Ministers and leaders on fire.

Mr. Khandu clarified misconceptions about the issue and sought the cooperation of all the organisations in restoring peace.

Compensation, govt job

The CM expressed pain at the loss of three lives and announced Rs 20 lakh as compensation and a government job for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 10 lakh for those injured.

Mr Khandu admitted a “communication gap” regarding the PRC issue that was to be brought up in the Assembly only for discussion and to make the report of the joint high power committee (JHPC) public. “We had no plan to introduce a Bill or resolution in this regard. We made this clear through social media,” he said.

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The CM said an inquiry committee to be headed by a commissioner would be formed to investigate the causes behind the violence. An assessment committee would also be formed to compensate for the private properties damaged.

Musicians from Assam and Nagaland and participants of the abandoned IIFF have sought compensation from the State government for losing their vehicles, musical instruments, acoustics, and other instruments during the mob violence.

Meanwhile, the Congress has in a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh demanded the immediate sacking of Mr Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju for “failure in tackling the situation”. The party also sought the constitution of a panel to probe the “firing and killing of innocent and unarmed protestors”.