Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Nov 28: The Nyishi Elite Society (NES) on Tuesday questioned the in-principle approval for the establishment of three Sainik schools – one each in Tawang, Pasighat, and Tirap-Changlang-Longding (TCL) belt – by Union Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, on November 4 last.
Addressing reporters regarding the state government’s failure to fulfill various pending demands, the NES claimed that each of the Sainik schools was approved for those at the helm of affairs, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, and state BJP President Tapir Gao.
The NES claimed that the state government has turned a blind eye to caring for one of the largest communities in the state, and called for establishing a Sainik school in Itanagar.
On its various pending issues, NES President Bengia Tolum said that on October 20 last, the chief minister had assured that a cabinet committee on infrastructure would meet on October 23. The CM had reportedly reiterated his assurance to clear an additional fund of Rs 3.50 crore for the construction of a Nyishi heritage village; Rs 5 crore for construction of Kumey Bridge; fund for the construction of the Itanagar-Golloso-Seijosa road; and fund for the construction of a road from Kumey Bridge point to Tali.
On the creation of Pakke-Kessang district, the chief minister had reportedly informed the NES that there are certain complaints, copies of which, he said, would be made available to the Society soon.
Tolum said that no follow-up action has been taken in the matter, despite repeated approaches to the CM cell. He said the situation raises suspicion that there may really be no such complaint letter against the creation of Pakke-Kessang district.
The Society expressed resentment that, despite several months of joint discussions, none of the issues have been resolved, except for the creation of Kamle district, which it said was tantamount to a breach of trust and exhibited the current leadership’s deceitful intent against the community.
Tolum also raised the issue of the greenfield airport at Hollongi and questioned the delay by the state government in its construction. He opined that it was getting delayed “probably because most of the beneficiaries are Nyishi.”
The NES also demanded implementation of the Trans-Arunachal Highway in the Nyishi belt, and called for transparency in compensation provided to the beneficiaries.
It meanwhile demanded an apology from the Chief Minister for his alleged abusive remarks against the Leader of Opposition, Takam Pario, during the 6th Legislative Assembly session on October 14 last.
Objecting to Pema’s address, which was in response to Pario’s speech, the NES said that it has hurt the sentiments of all Nyishis, and reiterated their demand for an apology to the entire community.
The Society also said if those entrusted to do their duties are incompetent, they should be replaced.
