Don't turn Arunachal into another Kashmir: Congress

As violence gripped Arunachal Pradesh, the Congress on Monday warned the BJP against turning the state into another Jammu & Kashmir and demanded the sacking of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

“Why are you turning Arunachal into second Kashmir. We have been living in peace with the Army, why are you asking them to fire on us,” Arunachal Pradesh Congress president Takam Sanjay said here.

Arunachal Pradesh Congress delegation including Sanjay, former chief minister Nabam Tuki and AICC General Secretary Luizinho Falerio met Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and submitted a memorandum addressed to Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

In a memorandum, the Congress claimed there has been “gross mismanagement” by the Pema Khandu-led government in handling “peaceful protests” against the move to grant Permanent Resident Certificates to six communities, leading to loss of human lives and damages to properties of such magnitude which the state has never witnessed in its history.

The Congress demanded setting up of a Commission of Enquiry, preferably by a sitting high court judge or a retired chief justice of the high court, on firing and killing of innocent and unarmed protesters.

It also sought immediate sacking of Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, who hails from the state.

Takam also questioned the adjournment of the Arunachal Pradesh state assembly in the absence of the chief minister, leader of the opposition and MLAs.

“The speaker adjourned the House sine die in the absence of the chief minister, leader of the opposition or MLAs. This also raises questions on the Vote-on-Account,” Takam said.

Falerio said the Congress delegation had sought an appointment with the Home Minister but were told that he was out of station. “We met the Home Secretary and the officials in the Home Minister's Office,” the AICC General Secretary said.