Arunachal Pradesh: Preventive detention of 100 people in anti-CM rally, 25 booked under strict state law
Arunachal pradesh – On Friday, more than 100 people were detained preventively in Arunachal Pradesh over 36 hour strike that was called by ANYA or All Nyishi Youth Association. The tribal youth group of Arunachal Pradesh is seeking ouster of Chief Minister Pema Khandu through this strike. The strike, which has been declared illegal by authorities, has led to 25 involved people booked under a strict state law called Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This law gives the authorities sweeping powers to detain people. These people have been sent in judicial custody for 12 days.
ANYA group that organized the strike has alleged involvement of Chief Minister Khandu in Rs 2000 crore scam of government funds.
After the strike concluded on Friday evening, police said there is a “deep conspiracy” aimed at destabilizing the BJP government in the state, creating a situation of chaos and lawlessness, and division along the communal lines. Police claims that the people who have been detained have confessed to having carried weapons and planned to be used in the strike. Weapons carried include catapults and local daggers called daos.
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Before the strike began, authorities had shut down internet services on Wednesday in Itanagar and neighbouring areas, aimed to deter the plans of protesters. The services were resumed after the strike had ended.
Inspector General (Law and Order) Chukhu Apa said during a press briefing in Itanagar, “For the first time, we noticed that bandh callers hired anti-social elements on payment from outside the state to create a law and order problem.” He added that police was successful in preventing serious breach of peace by thwarting the conspiracy. IG Apa said that police had seized Rs 3 lakh of the Rs 10 lakh “given to bandh callers by their handlers”.
Itanagar Capital Region Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom said that situation in state is calm and peaceful. “There are no reports of any untoward incident. Most of the bandh callers were arrested and put under preventive detention. Those found directly involved were charged under Section 3 of the Arunachal Pradesh UAPA. They include leaders of the organisation that called the bandh.”
Meanwhile, ANYA president Byabang Joram has denied all claims by police. “We didn’t do anything wrong. We aren’t criminals. Our boys, who didn’t join the strike, were picked up from their homes, their house owners and relatives were arrested,” he said.
