Guv takes control of Arunachal Pradesh

A day after President’s Rule was imposed in Arunachal Pradesh, Governor J P Rajkhowa took over the reigns of governance in the North-Eastern state.

The governor convened a meeting of top civil and police officials and reviewed the law and order situation. “Laws must be enforced in letter and spirit,” was what Rajkhowa asked top officials, including Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi.

The governor has stressed upon more security cover across capital Itanagar and adjoining areas. “The governor has ordered proper security cover for all MLAs as per entitlements. There is no law and order threat as of now. Additional forces have reached,” Negi told reporters.

Rajkhowa has also asked the chief secretary to issue a circular to all departments and offices to maintain transparency in decision making and execution of various works and take firm action against corruption.

The Centre appointed former Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal and retired IAS officer G S Patnaik as advisors to the governor. Seventeen additional companies of Central security forces have reached Itanagar, sources added.

AAPSU slams move

The powerful All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Wednesday termed the Centre’s decision for invoking President’s Rule in the state as hasty.

“We cannot accept such a decision by the Centre in haste without verifying the facts and will oppose it tooth and nail,” AAPSU president Kamta Lapung said in a statement.

AAPSU claimed that protest rallies in the state capital did not amount to deterioration in law and order situation which prompted the governor to recommend for promulgation of Article 356 (1) in the peaceful state.