Editor,
The state government’s recent Golden Jubilee Statehood Day celebrations seemed like a cheap populist game and an eye wash. Such an important state event should have been hosted by the state government in its state capital Itanagar at Indira Gandhi Park, where all major events of the state are celebrated every year. However, this year, the important venue was shifted to Yupia outdoor sports stadium. It is a matter of great shame that the state government could not develop a proper infrastructure for such an important event in its capital till now.
Moreover, former chief ministers PK Thungon, Mukut Mithi and Nabam Tuki, who were invited by the state government as VIPs to witness the celebration, were not even requested to deliver speech on the occasion. The state government could have extended minimum courtesy and respect to them, by requesting them to deliver speeches on such an auspicious occasion.
Also, instead of celebrating such events, it would have been wise on the part of the government to take up important issues with the central government including abrogation of lacunae existing in the Statehood Act such as Article 371H.
Further, the state government could request the center to remove special powers given to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh in regards to maintaining the law & order situation in the state. The indigenous people of the state genuinely feel that the Government of India has given statehood in the past half heartedly and that the central government has taken back the actual power from the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Also, the state government’s silence over the CAB has led the central government to pass the Bill and the President of India approved the same which is against the interest of the indigenous people.
Nabam Tagam