‘Three-day ICR bandh is not a democratic movement’ Says Bamang Felix

APPSC paper leak scandal

A CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: The state government spokesperson, Bamang Felix, said that a three-day ICR bandh called by a few organizations is not a democratic movement; rather, it is unconstitutional and illegal, and will be dealt with by the law. Addressing the media person at the state secretariat, Felix, who is also the Home Minister, said that the state government has proactively taken a series of steps to bring reform to the entire examination system of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) ever since the paper-leak scandal came to light.

He said it has also taken actions with reference to almost all of the 13-point charter of demands placed by the Pan-Arunachal Joint Steering Committee (PAJSC) as decided on February 18, and the written form of the minutes of the meeting is in the public domain. "If there is any delay, it is because the state government is dependent on some independent agencies or the process is a continuous one", he said. Unfortunately, some sections of society have not appreciated the efforts made by the government and have called a bandh in 11 to 12 districts from May 10 next," he said.

He also said that the bandh callers are wrongfully trying to debate the issue on social media by linking Lt. Gyamar Padang’s name with the bandh call, which will only do a disservice to his soul and denigrate his role as a peace loving person. Moreover, the state government will not tolerate such undemocratic activity anymore and will be dealt with according to the law. Further, he informed that with the untimely demise of the whistleblower, Gyamar Padang, the Chief Minister (CM) Pema Khandu intimated the family members of the former regarding honouring him and his work. He appealed to the public to be patient and wait for the decision, as such announcements are made on August 15.

Responding to a picture of the CM Pema Khandu meeting the former APPSC Chairman Nipo Nabam doing the rounds on social media, Felix claimed it was fake while informing that the CM has not met any of the former members of APPSC since the fiasco occurred nor initiated any government spokesperson on his behalf for the same. He rather appealed not to circulate wrong information that would mislead the public.

Felix appealed to aspirants to focus on studies because, after the commission is formed, it will conduct all pending examinations, which is necessary because the unemployment rate is increasing in the state. Also, delays in conducting exams will impact three years of age relaxation. Claiming that the CBI is doing its investigation, he informed that the investigating agency has its own rules and regulations that forbid it from sharing confidential information with anybody, not even the government.

Earlier, a group of individuals announced a three-day bandh in 11 to 12 districts of the state on the APPSC paper leak case.

Also Read: Government making efforts for safe repatriation of stranded Arunachalee citizens from Manipur: Bamang Felix

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