Itanagar, May 8:
The Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous Youth Organisation (APIYO), led by president Taro Sonam Liyak and vice president Chera Taji, on Friday alleged that the state government has failed to take concrete action despite repeated memorandums submitted to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu regarding the demolition of alleged illegal mosques and action against illegal immigrants in the state.
Addressing the media, Taro Sonam Liyak said the organisation had earlier planned to launch a “Delhi Chalo Abhiyan” on January 30. However, the agitation was deferred after APIYO reportedly received written assurance from the Chief Minister’s Office following a meeting with Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Home Minister Mama Natung on January 27.
According to Liyak, although the government assured the organisation that necessary steps would be taken, no visible action has been initiated on the ground till date.
However, Liyak alleged that the government’s decision to close only the weekly markets created a misunderstanding between the APIYO team and local women vendors. Clarifying the organisation’s position, he said APIYO’s demands were centred on three key issues, demolition of alleged illegal mosques, identification and removal of illegal immigrants, and closure of weekly markets which, according to the organisation, allegedly facilitate the entry of non-locals into Arunachal Pradesh without proper verification.
Liyak acknowledged that some action had been taken regarding weekly markets, but claimed that no measures were initiated against alleged illegal structures or illegal immigrants.
The APIYO president also stated that the organisation had repeatedly attempted to seek appointments with the Chief Minister to discuss the matter further, but alleged that no meeting had been granted so far.
Announcing the organisation’s next course of action, Liyak said APIYO would continue its democratic movement and intensify its protest in the coming days. He stated that future agitations would no longer be confined to the tennis court area in Itanagar, but would instead be staged outside the alleged illegal mosques.
During the press interaction, Liyak also referred to the recent order of the Supreme Court of India directing a preliminary inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into allegations of corruption and nepotism against Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Citing the example of Nepal’s former Home Minister Sudan Gurung, who allegedly resigned following corruption allegations to ensure a fair investigation, Liyak said Chief Minister Pema Khandu should similarly step down to allow an impartial probe.
He concluded by stating that APIYO’s further course of action would be announced after consultations with district-based members of the organisation.
