Photo Courtesy: nenow
Itanagar: The Joint Action Committee of Chakma and Hajong community-based organizations wants a transparent probe into violent disruptions at Bordumsa electoral hearings. Chaos erupted on September 3 and 4 during the processing of Form 6, Form 7, and Form 8 applications. About 600 Chakma electors gathered at the local Panchayat Hall on September 3 before the event stalled. The session moved to the following day.
Things turned ugly on September 4. A mob stormed the ADC office chamber where the Electoral Registration Officer presided. Reports confirm the ERO was assaulted and an ADC vehicle was trashed. Stones flew. Gunfire echoed. Police eventually fired tear gas to clear the area after witnesses reported people brandishing weapons in public. The committee noted that many Chakma applicants remained peaceful throughout the ordeal.
Mahendra Chakma, JAC chairman, issued a stern condemnation of the violence. He extended well wishes to an injured All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union member and several Chakma electors hurt during the scuffles. “The events occurred in a large and fluid gathering, and responsibility for any particular act, including any injury or damage, must be determined through a fair, impartial and lawful investigation based upon evidence,” the JAC stated.
The JAC acknowledged that AAPSU members and representatives from the Singpho and Khamti communities hold concerns regarding the local voter process. However, the committee insisted that all grievances must go through administrative and lawful channels rather than through intimidation. They have called for a facilitated dialogue between all stakeholders to preserve the peace in the 49-Diyun-Bordumsa constituency. Officials must now verify the reports of gunfire and communal slogans to determine who holds responsibility for the damage.
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