The assurance given by the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh must reflect his government’s actual commitment to the Takam Mising Porin Kebang, Mising Mimag Kebang, and Takam Mising Mime Kebang to take action and ensure justice for the families of Shankar Pegu and Prabash Doley, who were killed in Arunachal Pradesh. Pegu was killed by his employer, Tadar Bhai, in Roing on 13 July, and Doley was killed at a worksite in Chimpu, Itanagar, on 18 June by one Tai John. Police have arrested both the alleged perpetrators.
The two killings sent shockwaves across the state and sparked protests in Assam, including blockades of the national highways connecting Arunachal. The blockades were suspended following assurances from the state governments of Assam and Arunachal that prompt justice would be delivered to the victims’ families.
Only exemplary punishment can bring about a change in the behaviour of criminals.
The police must finish investigation promptly and efficiently without any loopholes and file chargesheets as soon as possible.
At the same time, the state must ensure that concrete steps are taken to improve workplace safety.