Arunachal tussle leads to siege of Raj Bhavan

The ongoing legal battle and tussle for power in the ruling Congress government of Arunachal Pradesh has not only been affecting the common people of the frontier state but also threatening the safety and security of Raj Bhavan at Itanagar.

Indicating that even the chief secretary and the director-general of police are in a state of serious confusion about the actual status of the chief minister and his council of ministers, security sources said frequent protest marches by pro-Tuki or anti-Tuki camp picketers have become the order of the day.

Accusing the state administration of following the diktat of chief minister Nabam Tuki, security sources said picketers led by leaders of the pro-Tuki camp were allowed to lay siege to Raj Bhavan for the second time in a month. Pointing out that some Congress leaders laid siege to Raj Bhavan on Thursday, security sources in Itanagar said, “The sudden protest on Thursday was aimed at blocking a possible swearing-in of rebel Congress leader Kalikho Pul by Raj Bhavan after the Gauhati high court’s verdict.”

Regretting the prevailing lawlessness in Itanagar, BJP leader Tapir Gao said, “The way the security of Raj Bhavan has been compromised, one can imagine the kind of safety for the common man.” He said the state administration should ensure the safety and security of every citizen instead of following the diktats of their political bosses.

Earlier, the state administration imposed Article 144 in and around Raj Bhavan following the surprise raid by some picketers.