Staff reporter
ITANAGAR, AUG 29:
The United Arunachal Indigenous People’s Forum (UAIPF) has demanded the removal of the state Chief Minister and Home Minister, alleging failure to address issues concerning national security, corruption and public welfare.In a press conference held at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here on Saturday, UAIPF president Sama Bagang said that the forum has submitted a five point memorandum to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh on August 27, seeking appropriate action from the Governor.
In the memorandum, it has alleged that reports of Chinese intrusion into the Limeking and Taksing areas of Upper Subansiri had been contradicted by the Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Home Minister Mama Natung despite visits to the area by fact-finding teams and statements by several organisations.
It also alleged that the contradictory statements had affected public confidence and urged the Governor to treat the matter seriously in view of its implications for national and state security.
The forum also alleged public demand for the Chief Minister’s resignation over alleged involvement in government contract works worth around Rs 1,200 crore involving his relatives. It further alleged that despite assurances of cooperation with investigating officers, such cooperation had not been extended.
Regarding tourism development, the UAIPF raised allegations of misappropriation, mismanagement, malpractice, nepotism and possible embezzlement of funds sanctioned under the Central Government’s “Integrated Development of New Adventure Tourism” scheme under Swadesh Darshan 2014-15. The memorandum stated that Rs 97.13 crore was sanctioned for Arunachal Pradesh, while approximately Rs 47.27 crore was reportedly sanctioned separately for the Tawang-Bomdila-Bhalukpong circuit.
The forum sought an independent and impartial inquiry into the sanction, release, utilisation and execution of the tourism scheme, including verification of work records, bills, vouchers, tenders, beneficiaries, physical assets created and utilisation certificates. It called for appropriate legal action if irregularities were established.
On the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA), 1978, the UAIPF expressed concern over the continuing controversy surrounding its proposed operationalisation and alleged lack of a concrete decision and clear stand from the government. The forum urged the authorities to resolve the issue amicably.
In the memorandum, the forum also raised the inter-state boundary dispute between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, stating that despite the Namsai Declaration of July 15, 2022, under which the dispute concerning 123 villages was declared resolved, differences continued to affect people along the inter-state boundary. It also pointed out that the State Home Minister holds the Inter-State Border Affairs (ISBA) portfolio.
Sama alleged that the issues collectively demonstrated the failure of the present Chief Minister and Home Minister to discharge their responsibilities in the public interest. He urged the Governor to take remedial measures and necessary action against both, citing national and state security concerns.
The forum has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Chief Minister and Home Minister to resign from their respective posts, warning that it would initiate further action against them if they fail to comply within the stipulated period.
