[Nellie N Manpoong]
ITANAGAR, Nov 15: While the agitating candidates of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Combined Competitive (Mains) Examination (APPSCCE) have gone on a hunger strike, those who are currently appearing for the mains have also come out to speak on the issue, with some seeking an apology from the protesting candidates for hampering the examination process.
Speaking to this daily, a candidate who has left his job and put his PhD studies on hold for the APPSCCE, said the demand for postponement of the exam until the final verdict was not a logical demand as the final outcome of the case is uncertain.
“The protesters should adhere to the rule of law and apologize to those appearing for the exams for obstructing us emotionally, and to the other candidates who could not appear for the exams due to the ruckus they created,” he said.
He also pointed out that the protestors’ timing, seeking postponement of the examination a week before the exam, was wrong.
He said he has full faith in the judiciary and the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), and that he would continue to appear for the remaining exams.
“We have nothing to lose but gain an enriching experience. Also, I will not resort to mouthing boisterous slogans whatever may be the decision. As the court verdict on 14 November has cleared the air, I believe there is less reason for the protest,” he added.
While most of those appearing for the exams have committed to stand by the commission, another section of candidates have held the commission responsible for their inability to appear for the examination.
Ngali Tato, who is presently a probationary officer in the SBI and has cleared the UPSC mains twice, said he did not come as a protester but could not appear due to the lapse in security on the first day.
“Till the time the police was able to quell the agitation, it was over 9:20 am, and it is clearly written in the admit card that no one will be allowed to enter the classroom after 20 minutes, ie, 9:20 am. Left with no choice, we left,” he said.
Another candidate, Katum Yomcha, said he had to leave his job in the Rural Bank for the exam as he was working in a government-sector bank and was on probation.
“I expected strong security but there was complete lapse on the part of the commission,” he said.
Seven other candidates who are presently writing the examination said they may give up the rest of the examination if the same atmosphere continues.
“It is difficult to walk over the bodies of co-aspirants and sit for the examination. I cannot let my conscience be affected anymore. I am a human being and this is a test of humanity,” one of them said.
