One dead, Army out in Itanagar

Itanagar, February 23 

Curfew was imposed here on Saturday as mobs protesting against the government move to grant permanent residency certificates (PRCs) to non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe communities of Namsai and Changlang districts went on a rampage, indulging in arson and stone throwing. 

One person was killed after sustaining a bullet injury, while several security personnel and protesters were injured in clashes at Naharlagun, an official said. Four Army columns conducted a flag march in Itanagar as security forces grappled with the tense situation. 

Caught in the mayhem were some 50 delegates to the first Itanagar International Film Festival (IIFF) who were evacuated after the event was cancelled. The festival venue, the Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre, was vandalised by miscreants on Friday night. 

The government has suspended Internet services for the next 24 hours with immediate effect to avoid rumour mongering through social media platforms. “Indefinite curfew has been imposed from 3 pm to maintain law and order,” SP (Capital) M Harsh Vardhan said. “The situation is tense and protesters are indulging in stone throwing. We are making efforts to restore the law and order,” he said, adding 40 protesters have been arrested. 

Protesters had set ablaze 50 vehicles and damaged over 100 vehicles on Friday evening. More than 35 persons, including 24 police personnel, were injured in the stone throwing, the police said. 

The agitating groups alleged the joint high power committee led by Environment Minister Nabam Rebia, constituted to look into the matter, had submitted its report without proper verification of facts and this should be rectified before it is tabled before the Assembly. Appealing people to remain calm and maintain peace, CM Pema Khandu said: “The government has decided not to take up the PRC matter in the current Assembly session.”  Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Khandu. He urged the people to remain calm and maintain peace. — IANS