An orgy of violence marred the 12 hour Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday called in protest against the Centre’s move to accord citizenship to the Chakma and Hajong refugees in the north eastern state.
Tension started escalating in the capital city of Itanagar where a section of the bandh supporters vandalized the state BJP office apart from setting afire a few vehicles on the roads. At least four vehicles, including a state transport corporation bus were set on fire.
Normal life remained heavily disrupted under the impact of the bandh called by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) supported by all tribal students unions across the north eastern state.
Roads from early in the morning wore a desert look. Shops and markets, schools and colleges, banks and offices remained closed while security forces were deployed in the public places to deal with the orgy of violence.
Talking to Assam Times, AAPS leaders said, “Our message is simple and clear. The indigenous lot will never tolerate arbitrary decisions of the centre. Beyond doubt the move would could change demography.”
Another bandh supporter said, “we are facing the threat of being outnumbered by refugees in certain areas, we are fully prepared to make Delhi realise the rights of the indigenous.”
The Centre cleared its position in the light of the Supreme Court order a coupe of days. Union minister for home Kiren Rijiju who himself hails from the state tried to convince the people that the move won’t dilute the indigenous rights since the new citizens wont have the land rights.
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