Arunachal PSC Paper Leak: Situation Still 'Tense' After Clashes Between Police And Protesters

The situation remains tense following the bandh called in response to the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission paper leak case and protesters' demands.

Clashes In Arunachal's Itanagar

Source : ANI

Following the bandh called in response to the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission paper leak case and protesters' demands, the situation remained tense. Police vehicles, fire trucks, and public property were also targeted, news agency ANI reported on Saturday.

"Yesterday, protesters broke the police barricades twice in front of Raj Bhawan. State govt has appealed to withdraw the APPSC-related bandh. The government has urged bandh callers to discuss their other demands with govt. But the crowds are still aggressive": Jimmy Chiram the Superintendent of Police of Itanagar was quoted as saying by ANI. 

Yesterday, protesters broke the police barricades twice in front of Raj Bhawan. State govt has appealed to withdraw APPSC-related bandh. The government has urged bandh callers to discuss their other demands with govt. But the crowds are still aggressive: Jimmy Chiram, SP Itanagar pic.twitter.com/oObN93y5Jl

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2023

On Friday, Nearly ten persons were injured as protesters and police clashed in Itanagar during a demonstration against a recent leak in the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission examination question paper. As a result, internet service was disconnected in the region, and prohibitory orders were issued.

To keep the protesters under control, police used lathi charges and gas shells.

The Pan Arunachal Join Steering Committee (PAJSC) proposed a 12-hour bandh on Friday in response to the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) paper leak case.

The Arunachal Pradesh administration has postponed the swearing-in ceremony for state Public Service Commission members for the time being.

"We have postponed the inauguration of members and the chairman (of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission). On February 18, I invite members of the pan-Arunachal joint steering committee. All stakeholders who want to attend it are welcome at the Civil Secretariat at 11 am," Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated.

The Chief Minister also expressed concern about the following conflict and called for calm.

"We are more than concerned about the unfortunate paper leak and determined to revive and rejuvenate the APPSC. We have no other intention but to provide free, fair and equal opportunities to our youth through the Commission," he said.