The horrific killing of 11 people, including the sitting legislator from Khonsa West constituency and NPP candidate Tirong Aboh, has sent shockwaves across the state. Aboh along with his 20-year-old college-going son and others were allegedly gunned down by NSCN (IM) militants when they on their way to Khonsa. They were coming back from Assam when their four-car convoy was stopped by members the Naga rebel group in between Deomali and Khonsa. It is reported that Aboh had earlier received death threats from the NSCN (IM). During campaigning time, too, he had alleged that the NSCN (IM) was targeting his workers to ensure the victory of his opponent candidate, fielded by the ruling BJP.
Conspiracy theories are running thick and fast. Some are alleging that it was a political murder. But only proper investigation will unearth the truth. Today will go down as a black day in the history of Arunachal Pradesh. Killing of 11 people in broad daylight is a slap on the face of the BJP government, in the state as well as at the centre. They have miserably failed to protect the lives of citizens. Many reports say there was a threat to the life of Aboh. Why did the state government not provide extra security to him? The killing has exposed the security lapses. This is the second high profile assassination witnessed in Tirap district. Former MP Wangcha Rajkumar was also allegedly assassinated by Naga militants. For the next few days the whole state will be watching whether the people involved in the killing of Aboh are brought to justice or not. This is a huge test for the state’s top leadership.