Arunachal Pradesh: One killed, dozens injured in Itanagar police firing
What's the story
One person was allegedly killed during police firing in Itanagar after protests against the state government turned violent on Friday. Friday marked the second day of citizens' protest against the BJP-led state government's move to grant permanent residence certificates (PRCs) to some non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe communities. Owing to the violence, the state government has now put a hold on the move. Here's more.
Protest
Several organizations had called for a 48-hour strike starting Thursday
On Thursday, a conglomerate of 18 students' bodies and civil society organizations called for a 48-hour strike in Itanagar in light of the state government's decision to grant PRCs to six communities not native to Arunachal Pradesh. While the strike was incident-free and non-violent on Thursday, protesters went on a rampage on Friday, in a bid to stop the government's move.
Violence
On Friday, the protests turned violent
As the number of protesters swelled on Friday, protesters burnt vehicles, blocked roads, and resorted to stone pelting in various parts of the state capital, Itanagar, on Friday. Towards the afternoon, hundreds of protesters marched towards the State Assembly, shouting slogans against the Pema Khandu-led government. After they were stopped by paramilitary forces, they staged a sit-in protest in front of the Civil Secretariat.
Police
Police opened fire to control the swelling crowd
With protests escalating and turning violent, police and paramilitary forces in Itanagar had to open fire and use water cannons and tear gas shells. The resulting violence allegedly led to one protester getting killed, while dozens, including both protesters and police personnel, were injured. Taking cognizance of the situation, the government has now decided to not discuss the granting of PRCs in the current Assembly session.
Quote
What CM Khandu had to say about the situation
"Keeping in view the present situation, the government has decided not to take up the PRC matter in the current Assembly session," said Chief Minister Khandu in a late night message on Friday.