APWWS, HRLN condemn PAJSC arrests
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 21 Feb: Six members of Pan Arunachal Joint Steering Committee (PAJSC) were reportedly detained for 24 hours following their agitation against the state government including its chairman Techi Puru, vice chairman Tadak Nalo, Techi Rana, Marge Kamnyi, Takar Rai and Hage Butung, ahead of Vice President of India’s visit during Statehood Day celebration.
They were released on Wednesday.
PAJSC members had called for a state-wide boycott on Statehood Day celebration on Tuesday to protest what they claimed to be “non-fulfillment” of their 13-point demands in Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) paper leakage issue by the state government. They observed black day accusing the state government of not fulfilling their demands.
Police sources informed that PAJSC members were detained on preventive measure as Vice President of India was visiting Itanagar as chief guest in the statehood day celebration. “All members were detained on preventive measures, they have been released today by the district magistrate,” said a police officer.
The PAJSC volunteers accused the police of harassing their members by detaining them for 24 hours.
A purported video of a vehicle claimed to be belonging to PAJSC chairman Techi Puru, was seen knocking down a police officer and almost running him over near the Itanagar police station at Bank Tinali. The police source confirmed that it was Puru, who was on the driving seat. However, it is informed that Puru claimed that it was unintentional.
Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS) and Human Rights Law Network (HRLN) said that it is disheartened to see the arrests of the Pan Arunachal Joint Steering Committee (PAJSC) executive members and other members in violation of rights and blatant abuse of power. The committee is spearheading the protest against past illegalities by the recruitment process of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.
Reacting to the arrest of Tadak Nalo, Techi Puru and others, on the eve of the statehood day, the organizations in separate statements said that arresting them for organizing peaceful protest was unwarranted.
Stating that it is crucial for the state government to reflect on its failure to fulfill commitments made to the committee, APWWS said that the observance of a black day by the PAJSC highlights the unmet charter of demands which the state govt. had assured. “They are not anti-social elements,” it said adding that “building trust among young people is essential for a welfare government.” “Addressing systematic corruption in recruitment processes is needed to ensure a fair and equitable job environment, preventing long-term damage to the overall system,” it said.
It added that PAJSC represents thousands of aspirants whose life and career prospects have been totally crushed under the loopholes of the establishment.
Human Right Law Network has termed the arrest “a violation of rights and blatant abuse of power.”
“It is deeply concerning that such rights are being trampled upon and individuals are being silenced for exercising their freedom of expression. The detention of Tadak Nalo, Techi Puru, and others raises serious questions about the state of democracy and human rights in our society,” it stated.
The organization further said that these detentions during the visit of the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankar, further underscores the attempt to suppress dissent and portray a false image of stability and governance.
It is ironic that while the state celebrates its “Statehood Day,” individuals are being unjustly silenced and deprived of their basic rights, it said.
Both APWWS and HRLN have further sought early release of the PAJSC executive members and other members.
