ITANAGAR, Feb 27: The Arunachal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ACCI) has appealed to the traders and shopkeepers of the capital complex to resume their business activities, stating that the state government has assured to provide them “foolproof security.”
ACCI president Tarh Nachung on Wednesday met Chief Minister Pema Khandu and submitted a memorandum informing him about the huge losses incurred by the business community during the anti-PRC agitation, as well the fear psychosis that is still prevailing in their minds.
“Many shops were looted and properties, including buildings, were damaged for no fault of theirs,” the ACCI president said, and demanded a high-level inquiry into the whole episode to find out those responsible for the damages.
Nachung informed the chief minister that shops and all other business establishments in the capital complex are closed since 21 February.
“They are keeping their shutters down in fear that miscreants might loot or vandalize their business establishments during the night hours,” Nachung informed the CM.
He added, however, that several shops in Nirjuli and Naharlagun areas were open during the daytime on Wednesday.
The ACCI president said customers as well as businessmen may face problems in monetary transactions because of the suspension of internet services.
He said he has held meetings with the market welfare committees of Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nyorch, Nirjuli, Banderdewa, Doimukh, etc, to discuss the situation, so that the shopkeepers and traders can resume their businesses.
The ACCI has also constituted a committee to coordinate with the government in assessing the properties lost or damaged.
In its memorandum, the ACCI also sought immediate resignation of the home minister and suspension of the DC and the SP for allegedly remaining mute spectators to the incident in Naharlagun in which Takar Complex was attacked and torched by mobs.
The ACCI’s other demands are: installation of CCTV cameras in all the market areas; establishment of police beat offices at various locations; deployment of sufficient police personnel at the Itanagar police station; and enactment of a law, as has been enacted by the Gujarat government, to bring the looter(s) to book and make them accountable for their deeds.
