Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR : The United Arunachal People’s Forum (UAPF) on Thursday announced that it will organise a mega rally-cum-signature campaign in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) on August 3 to press the state government to act on its three-point memorandum.

Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here, UAPF convenor Charu Govind demanded immediate government intervention on the Smart Prepaid Meter System, de-reservation of forest land in the ICR, and a probe into the alleged misappropriation of over Rs 121 crore sanctioned for the Dari-Chambang road project in Kra-Daadi district.

Charu sought a thorough investigation into the road project, arrest of officials allegedly involved in the irregularities, and blacklisting of the firms responsible for its execution.

On the power issue, the forum demanded withdrawal of the Smart Prepaid Meter System, restoration of the conventional postpaid billing system, and free electricity of up to 1,000 units per month for domestic consumers. It also urged the government to introduce a power subsidy for economically weaker sections, alleging that the prepaid system has adversely affected poor and rural consumers.

The forum further called for early de-reservation or rationalisation of forest boundaries in the Capital Complex, claiming that the existing reserved forest status has delayed land-related services and public infrastructure projects.

Charu said that despite a round-table meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein following the forum’s 14-day ultimatum, no concrete outcome had emerged.

The rally will commence at 9am from Akashdeep and conclude at IG Park, Itanagar. Appealing for public support, Charu urged the government to address the three demands at the earliest in the interest of public welfare and accountability.