Arunachal: Maoists instigate locals to oppose dam projects
September 28, 2011 19:05 IST
Trouble is brewing in Arunachal Pradesh where Maoists are instigating the locals to join anti-dam movements in eastern part.
The Arunachal police recently found evidence of Maoist presence in the state after arrest of nine youths from different parts of Lohit district in connection to a case of arms robbery. The arrested youths, who hail from Sadiya in neighbouring Assam, confessed to be influenced by Maoists. They were entrusted with the task of mobilising locals against construction of mega dams in the Dibang Valley region in Arunachal Pradesh.
Nang Sati Mein, member of Legislative Assembly from Namsai in Lohit district, said in the state Assembly that her constituency be declared as a disturbed area in wake of the growing threat from Maoists. She alleged Maoists' hand in the recent September 21 killing of a contractor. There was also attack on acclaimed Arunachalee mountaineer Tapi Mra in Namsai area recently.
Arunachal Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin informed the state Assembly that the government was aware of the law and order problem in the state and steps were being taken to deploy adequate police personnel in troubled spots.
A senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader overseeing party affairs in the northeast said that groupism within the ruling establishment as well as activities of lobbies out to plunder natural resources had created a situation where a section of Naga rebels were trying to foment militancy among disgruntled local youths. The Naga rebel groups are already a big problem in eastern districts of Tirap and Changlang.
The BJP leader said the deteriorating law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh would be raised in the BJP national executive, which is scheduled to be held on September 30 and October 1.
K Anurag
