Arunachal protests: CM Prem Khandu suspects someone's hand behind violence

“On the night of 22 Feb, I had clarified through media and social media that government won't hold further discussions over this. Today also, an order has been issued via Chief Secy that we won't take up PRC matter” Khandu said.

New Delhi: As violent protests over demand of statehood for Arunachal Pradesh erupted in the state and claimed the lives of two people, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday suspected that someone is behind these incidents, as Arunachal Pradesh is a peaceful place. “I would like to assure the people in Arunachal Pradesh that government will not take up the matter even in future. This is a clear message” he said. “I would like to appeal to all those protesting that their demand had already been accepted by government on 22nd itself. PRC issue is closed. I request them not to hold protests and dharna and cooperate with government” he said. “On the night of 22 Feb, I had clarified through media and social media that government won't hold further discussions over this. Today also, an order has been issued via Chief Secy that we won't take up PRC matter” Khandu said. “I've given directives that a detailed investigation is essential. Govt's stand over PRC is clear, in spite of that there were incidents of violence. I've formed a commissioner level investigating committee. It is necessary for the truth to come before public” he added. Protests broke out on Saturday after the state government announced that it was considering issuing PRC to six non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribes (APSTs) living in the Namsai and Changlang districts. The communities are Deoris, Sonowal Kacharis, Morans, Adivasis, Mishings and Gorkhas. Most of them are recognised as Scheduled Tribes in neighbouring Assam. The Ministry of Home Affairs has dispatched 10 additional companies of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for deployment in law-and-order duties in Itanagar and other violence-hit places, an official said. The mob has tried to set ablaze the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and also tried to target residence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, another official said.