Arunachal Deputy CM’s house torched

Itanagar, Feb 24 (IANS) Mobs protesting against the permanent resident certificate (PRC) continued their violence spree in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, burning down the house of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, authorities said.

Security forces resorted to blank firing as the the unruly protesters defied curfew and marched towards Chief Minister Pema Khandu's residence.

"The situation is very tense and uncontrollable. The state is taking all steps to calm the situation," Home Minister Kumar Waii told IANS on Sunday.

It was not clear if anyone was injured in Sunday's firing.

The protesters also torched and vandalized two police stations in Itanagar and adjoining Naharlagun, while a Superintendent of Police officer was reportedly injured.

Authorities on Saturday imposed an indefinite curfew in Itanagar and Naharlagun as demonstrators protesting against the government's move to grant PRCs to non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe communities went on a rampage, indulging in arson and stone pelting.

One person was killed after sustaining a bullet injury in Naharlagun.

Governor B.D. Mishra, a retired Brigadier, has condemned the violence.

Appealing for peace, Mishra said: "Arunachalis have always demonstrated their rationality, sagacity and maturity in their conduct under all circumstances."

Mishra advised the state government to take all precautionary measures to prevent further mayhem.

Four Army columns have been deployed in the Arunachal Pradesh capital while authorities have suspended Internet services across the state to avoid the spread of fake news via social media platforms.

The protests were called on Friday evening by 18 student and civil society groups. Later that day, protesters set ablaze 50 vehicles and damaged over 100 vehicles.

The mobs alleged the a committee led by Environment and Forest Minister Nabam Rebia had submitted its report on PRC without proper verification of facts.