Curfew revoked in Arunachal Pradesh

Itanagar, Feb 26 (IANS) Curfew was revoked on Tuesday here in Arunachal Pradesh imposed three days ago after violence erupted over the government's move to grant permanent residence certificate (PRC) to six non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribes communities.

"Curfew was revoked in view of the Nyokum Yullo, one of the most important festivals celebrated by the largest Nyishi community in the state," Itanagar Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan told IANS.

"The situation is slowly limping back to normalcy and there were no reports of any violence during the 48 hours," he said.

However, Internet services remained suspended.

Eighteen student and civil society groups, alleging a committee led by Environment and Forest Minister Nabam Rebia had submitted its report on the PRC without due verification of facts, had called on protests to mount pressure on the government to scrap the decision.

On February 23, authorities imposed curfew in Itanagar and Naharlagun as mobs protesting against the government's move to grant PRC to six non-Arunachal Scheduled Tribes communities went on the rampage, indulging in arson and stone pelting.

Protesters set ablaze more than 50 vehicles and damaged over 100 vehicles. Three protesters were killed in a firing.

On Monday, the Arunachal Pradesh cabinet decided to set up an inquiry committee to probe the violence.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the inquiry committee will be headed by an officer holding the rank of a Commissioner while another committee will be set up to assess the losses and damages caused to government and private property.

Khandu announced ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh each to the three killed in police firing during the mob violence in Itanagar and a government job to one of their family members. He said compensation up to Rs 10 lakh will be provided for those injured.