Editor,
The 18th of February marks a somber anniversary for the people of Arunachal Pradesh as they remember the devastating failure of the state government to address the APPSC Paper Leakage Scam. On this day in 2023, Chief Minister Pema Khandu had made bold promises to the people, pledging action on the mass-scaled scandal that rocked the state’s most trusted recruitment institution. Yet, one year later, the hopes and aspirations of thousands of aspiring youths have been dashed, and the government’s assurances remain unfulfilled.
The scam, first exposed by whistleblower Gyamar Padang, uncovered a decade-long racket involving the illegal sale and manipulation of question papers for various exams under the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC). The shocking revelations, including the buying and selling of exam papers, manipulation of award sheets, and forging signatures of evaluators, threw the entire recruitment process into disarray.
Despite months of protests and rallies led by student bodies and concerned citizens, the government’s response has been minimal. Though Chief Minister Pema Khandu held a lengthy discussion with stakeholders in February 2023 and made promises, none of the key demands of the protestors have been addressed. These included the declaration of tainted exams as “null and void,” swift legal action, and compensation for those affected.
The year that followed saw worsening frustration, culminating in the tragic death of whistleblower Gyamar Padang in May 2023. His death, coupled with the government’s inability to deliver on their promises, only deepened the feeling of betrayal felt across the state. Protestors, many of whom were detained under harsh laws, remained steadfast in their demands for justice. Yet, as the state approaches the second anniversary of the scandal, no substantial actions have been taken.
The people of Arunachal Pradesh now observe 18th February as a “Black Day,” a reminder of the unfulfilled promises made by their government. They have also boycotted Statehood Day celebrations and staged protests, including the “Pustak Jalao Andolan” and a “Cake-Cutting Ceremony,” to express their discontent.
As the issue lingers, questions remain about the government’s commitment to tackling corruption. The Whistleblower Act remains unenacted, and not a single APPSC official has been arrested.
For the people of Arunachal Pradesh, the 18th of February will forever symbolize a failure of governance and a day when the state’s most significant corruption scandal was swept under the rug. Until justice is served, this day will remain a “Black Day” in Arunachal’s history.
Tadak Nalo,
Chairman-cum-founder
Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF)