Arunachal curfew revoked after three days

ITANAGAR:CURFEW was revoked on Tuesday here in Arunachal Pradesh imposed three days ago after violence erupted over the government’s move to grant permanent residence certificate (PRC) to six non-arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribes communities.

“Curfew was revoked in view of the Nyokum Yullo, one of the most important festivals celebrated by the largest Nyishi community in the state,” Itanagar Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan told IANS. “The situation is slowly limping back to normalcy and there were no reports of any violence during the 48 hours,” Dhawan said.

However, internet services remained suspended.

Eighteen student and civil society groups, alleging a committee led by Environment and Forest Minister Nabam Rebia had submitted its report on the permanent residence certificate (PRC) without due verification of facts, had called on protests to mount pressure on the government to scrap the decision.

On February 23, authorities imposed curfew in Itanagar and Naharlagun as mobs protesting against the government’s move to grant permanent residence certificates to six non-arunachal Scheduled Tribes communities went on the rampage, indulging in arson and stone pelting.

Protesters set ablaze more than 50 vehicles and damaged at least 100 vehicles. Three protesters were killed in a firing.

On Monday, the Arunachal Pradesh cabinet decided to set up an inquiry committee to probe the violence.

Khandu announced ex-gratia of ₹20 lakh each to the three killed in police firing during the mob violence in Itanagar.

However, state home minister Kumar Waii on Tuesday denied reports that three persons were killed in police firing during the protests.

“I am deeply shocked to learn about the death of three youths, but none of them were killed in police firing.

I had directed DGP SBK Singh and SP (Itanagar) M Harsh Vardhan to put the trouble mongers behind bars without any violence,” he said.