Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, Aug 29: The United Arunachal Indigenous People’s Forum (UAIPF) has urged Governor KT Parnaik to seek the removal of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Home Minister Mama Natung from their respective posts, alleging failure to address several issues concerning the state, including reports of alleged People's Liberation Army (PLA) intrusion into Taksing circle of Upper Subansiri district.
The Forum submitted a memorandum to the Governor in this regard.
Addressing a press conference here at Arunachal Press Club on Saturday, UAIPF president Sama Bagang alleged that local residents of Taksing, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) and the Nah Welfare Society had repeatedly raised concerns over alleged PLA intrusion in the area, but claimed that the state government had failed to properly verify the reports.
Bagang alleged that statements made by the Chief Minister and Home Minister on the issue had failed to satisfy the public and called for transparency and verification in matters concerning national security.
He further demanded the Chief Minister's resignation, citing the ongoing controversy surrounding an alleged Rs 1,200-crore government contract issue and arguing that he should step aside on moral grounds to facilitate a free and fair inquiry.
UAIPF also levelled allegations of misappropriation, mismanagement, malpractice, nepotism and irregularities in the implementation of tourism-related works funded under the Integrated Development of New Adventure Tourism component of the Ministry of Tourism's Swadesh Darshan scheme.
According to Bagang, more than Rs 97 crore had been sanctioned for Arunachal Pradesh under the scheme, with objectives including revenue and employment generation and promotion of tourism. He alleged that the implementation of the sanctioned works lacked transparency and involved favouritism.
The Forum also criticised the state government over issues concerning the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) and the long-pending Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute.
The UAIPF urged the Governor to take appropriate action on the issues raised in its memorandum.