Arunachal unrest: CM Khandu appeals for peace, announces compensation to victims' family

Protesters of several student organisations, civil society groups continued their protest against the state government's move to grant the Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) to six communities living in Namsai and Changlang districts since several decades.

On Monday, protesters burnt an office building of DDSE in Changlang district and damaged a house of a local MLA.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday held meetings with community based organizations, all political parties and students organizations to work out peace in the state capital.

Chairing the meeting he sought cooperation of all organizations for restoring peace in the capital stating that government alone cannot bring peace if people do not come overboard.

Khandu said that, due to the ongoing crisis in the capital, there is food shortage and people are in want of medical care.

As a result, business, schools and colleges are shut, which is creative havoc on the normal life.

He therefore appealed to the organizations to help create favorable atmosphere in the capital city for normal life to resume.

Expressing pain at the loss of three lives, the CM expressed his condolence and said the bereaved families will be adequately compensated including the injured although no amount of compensation can compensate the lives lost.

The Arunachal Pradesh CM announced Rs 20 lakhs and a govt job for the next of kith and kin of the deceased and Rs 10 lakhs for those injured.

Terming the incidences of violence in state capital as unfortunate, Khandu said there has been communication gap regarding PRC issue that was to be brought up in the assembly.

"The issue in the assembly was only for discussion and to make JHPC report on PRC public during short discussion. The matter was no way in form or bill or resolution. Also responding to agitation, message was circulated through social media that PRC matter will not be brought in the assembly," Khandu said.

He further expressed regret over loss of public, private properties, injuries to civilians and security forces during the mayhem.

"An inquiry committee to be headed by a commissioner will be formed to investigate the case," Khandu said.

He also said assessment committee will also be formed to compensate the private properties damaged.

On the other hand, several organisations, local people had took out candle light march and protest rallies in different parts of the state to protest against the police act.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)