[ Nellie N Manpoong ]
ITANAGAR, Nov 29: Candidates that had arrived to appear for the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Combined Competitive (Mains) Examination (APPSCCE), but failed to sit for the exam, have filed a writ petition at the Itanagar permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court on Thursday, seeking a second chance to appear for the exam.
The candidates said that they have filed the writ petition in their individual capacity and are not part of any group. They also clarified that they have not signed any petition with other candidates.
Speaking to this daily, candidate Tazing Taggu said that he and a few other candidates had arrived at the Kingcup Public School (Exam centre) on 10 November, but maintained a safe distance due to the commotion outside the gate.
He said that most candidates had arrived between 8.15 AM to 8.30 AM and waited near the roadside for the chaos to settle down.
Taggu claimed that he and the other candidates did not hear the announcement, as claimed by the officials, that candidates who wished to appear for the examination would be escorted into the examination hall.
He also said that the candidates approached the few security personnel and officials posted at the gate but were denied entry on reasons that they had arrived late.
He said that the candidates were more upset with the fact that others who came after them were allowed to enter.
“We approached the officials at the school gate after the protestors were taken for court arrest, but the officials denied us entry. Later, we learnt that some were allowed to enter even after 10.30,” he said.
Taggu said that they are now seeking a second chance from the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC).
“We want a second chance to appear for the exam. Whether the commission decides to hold exams specifically for us, or hold fresh exams, or anything else; we just need a second chance from the APPSC. That is our only demand,” he said.
The court will decide on Friday on whether the case can be taken up further.
On 19 November, the candidates had submitted a representation to the APPSC seeking the same.
Meanwhile, the qualified candidates who were protesting at the IG Park suspended their protest on Wednesday as the state government has assured to look into their matter seriously.
“We will wait for justice to be served. If not, we will resume our democratic movement in a more intensified manner,” the interim committee of the candidates said.
On the other hand, candidates that appeared for the APPSCCE mains met with APPSC Chairman Nabam Nipo on Wednesday and reiterated the demands placed earlier with Governor Dr BD Mishra.
The candidates said that they had followed all the directions of the court and commission and appeared for the examination despite hindrances.
The candidates requested the APPSC not to succumb to unnecessary pressure or it would set a wrong example.
The candidates claimed that the commission said that it would follow the system and would not succumb to pressure tactics.
This daily could not reach the APPSC for a statement on the issues.
