A CORRESPONDENT
ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Against Corruption (AAC) submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, outlining a range of pressing concerns and demanding immediate action for the betterment of the state, failing which it has threatened to resort to its second phase of democratic movement. Addressing the media at the Press Club here on Thursday, AAC Spokesperson Birendra Tallang informed that the association has demanded a re-amendment of Article 371(H), wherein it demands the state government advocate for re-amending Article 371(H) to secure special provisions and privileges for Arunachal Pradesh, aligning it with other states' benefits under Article 371(A). He also emphasized the strategic importance of relocating key government offices, such as the regional office of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and NEEPCO, to Arunachal Pradesh. This would ensure easy access to services and benefits for residents. AAC also sought to address the need for a permanent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) branch in Itanagar to combat corruption effectively across government institutions and other crime-related cases.
Tallang also stressed the need for the de-reservation of Itanagar and adjacent areas from the ‘Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary’ to facilitate land ownership and the issuance of essential land possession certificates for migrants. AAC further demanded an immediate resolution on the Chakma-Hajong refugee issue. AAC urges a swift resolution to the Chakma-Hajong refugee issue to protect the rights, safety, and assets of the state's indigenous population. While claiming the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act as draconian, AAC has urged the government to repeal the Act due to concerns about its potential misuse. In the ensuing assembly session, the government must table this act for repeal.
The demand also included legislative amendments to impose stricter punishments for individuals involved in job scams within institutions such as the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB). Expressing concern over the rampant signing of MoUs for hydropower projects, AAC in its memorandum raises concerns about the potential ecological impacts of hydropower projects, emphasizing the need for scientific research and public discourse before endorsing MoUs and MoAs.
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