"Arunachal Pradesh should do away with Bandh Culture": CM Pema Khandu

By Asin Charu

ITANAGAR: The 36-hrs Capital Bandh Call proposed by All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) w.e.f. January 13, 2022, was declared as "illegal" and "unlawful" activity prohibited under the law by ICR DC Talo Potom. That said, the government’s Home Minister and Govt Spokesperson Bamang Felix on January 11, 2022, briefed the media on several allegations put forth against Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Several Press briefings stormed social media outlets yesterday; from ANYA’s parental body, Nyishi Elite Society (NES), to the sitting of 14 Nyishi legislators,  SASI (Save Arunachal, Save Indigenous) and a few more.

CM Pema Khandu addresses media

Amidst all the commotion, the public questioned the presence of the Chief minister in media for his response to the allegations levelled by ANYA.

In a recent briefing via a local electronic media portal, the CM said: “There are certain protocols to address allegation charges, especially when it is a government-centric matter,”

Further, he opined that the reason that supposedly prompted ANYA to declare the bandh call may be tackled through a different alternative-one being, by utilising the delivery system of justice through mediums such as the High Court or the Supreme Court.

The CM, therefore, appealed to the general public to refrain from participating in the bandh call. “Supporting such bandh calls will only disrupt the law and order of the peaceful state. The ones to suffer the most will the public, and losses will be faced by both ends- government and the denizens.” The CM stated. He also held that, for Arunachal Pradesh to develop as a state, people should first do away with bandh culture.

Further, he informed that “The government cordially sets an open invitation to ANYA or any other organisations in support with the bandh call.”

CM speaks on ANYA’s demand for resignation

“ANYA has displayed an act of immaturity demanding immediate resignation. This government is a democratically elected government and such matters may be addressed and dealt with officially and on legal terms,” the CM stated.

NES in the press conference yesterday, clearly confirmed zero part-take and consent on their end. The 14 Nyishi legislators on the other hand appealed ANYA to take down the proposal. Side-by-side, ICR DC Talo Potom declared the bandh as "illegal" and "unlawful" activity prohibited under the law, conferring to Section 144 Cr. P.C. r/w the Arunachal Pradesh unlawful activities (Prevention Act) 2014. While addressing the media in the afternoon on 12^th January 2022, he warn the bandh callers to deal with an iron hand and the activists will be deported to other districts’ jails.

The order also mentioned that any damage or destruction to public or private properties shall be recovered from the Bandh Callers, if the proposed Bandh call is not called off and that the Superintendent of Police, Capital and Executive Magistrates are enjoined upon to enforce the order.