A Christian body in Arunachal Pradesh on February 24 appealed for peace after a mob set fire to the house of the deputy chief minister of the northeastern Indian state. The house of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein was targeted after the police checked the mobs’ way to the residence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Police resorted to blank firing at the protesters.
As reported by mattersindia.com, “We pray for our state of Arunachal Pradesh still reeling with pain and sorrow as properties are destroyed and innocent people are suffering,” the Arunachal Christian Forum prayed as violence broke out in the state capital of Itanagar for the third straight day over the government’s decision to give permanent resident status to two tribes from outside the state. The Christian forum regretted that the people of Arunachal Pradesh have become victims of violence. “Many are injured and several are fatally wounded,” it noted.
One person is reportedly killed over a hundred injured in stone pelting. Nearly 50 vehicles is said to have been burnt. Army has been called in to contain the law and order situation. The violence started on February 22 during a 48-hour shutdown by students in protest against the Khandu government’s decision to table a report in the state assembly on the Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC). The police had opened fire as protesters threw stones at government vehicles and offices. The ecumenical body prayed for people to reign in their land, and in people’s hearts and homes. “Let reason prevail among our brothers and sisters. God of peace come down upon us and watch over us. Let your wisdom govern our leaders and people,” it said.
Source: www.mattersindia.com
