New Delhi: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin and his close family members have come under the scanner over a “no action or inquiry” carried out after ‘derogatory remarks’ about the Nyishi tribe appeared on the web portal of a leading newspaper of the country on May 4.
The article had said that Nabam Tuki, who was a frontrunner in the race for the Arunachal Pradesh chief minister’s post after the death of Dorjee Khandu, belonged to the “Nyishi tribe, which doesn’t enjoyed a good rapport among other tribes”.
Nyishi is reported to be the second largest Tani tribe after the Mishings, and the largest single tribe in Arunachal Pradesh with a population of over three lacs.
Arunachal Pradesh Lower Subansiri Zilla Parishad chairperson Likha Tongum claimed that as no logical conclusion has been reached by official committees formed by the state government, it clearly indicates that Gamlin and his family members’ are involved.
Tongum also called for Gamlin’s resignation if the investigations reveal his direct involvement or linkage.
“It was on May 13 that All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) submitted memorandum to the State Governor and the State Government demanding immediate enquiry and action against persons involved in the episode of Times of India journalist Pradeep Thakur. The organization led phases of democratic movement demanding action against persons involved in the conspiracy case,” a statement released by the office of the Arunachal Pradesh Lower Subansiri Zilla Parishad Chairperson has said.
“Moreover, a committee to unearth the truth was formed under the convenorship of Minister of Health and Family Welfare and RWD Attum Welly. In an extra ordinary case the State Government again formed a high level committee headed by state Home Minister Takar Marde. What did these committees do? Did they investigate the serious case? If so, where are the reports or where are the results?””
“Considering ‘no action and no inquiry’, but official committee after committee has absolutely led no logical conclusion, it clearly indicates the involvement of Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin and his close family members. Incase the truth reveals the direct involvement and linkage of the Chief Minister and his family members, he should own moral responsibility and resign forthwith,” it added.
The ANSU had earlier lodged a FIR with Arunachal Pradesh Director General of Police demanding the arrest of Pradeep Thakur, the journalist who is credited to have written the article, for “making communally flaring up statement with the intention of dividing the state on communal line”.
The union had also claimed that the remarks that “Nyishi tribe doesn’t enjoy good rapport amongst other tribes” had tarnished the image and reputation of the Nyishi tribe and the sentiment of the community had been irreparably hurt by otherwise avoidable and hurting comment. Thakur is also accused of trying to divide the people of Arunachal Pradesh on communal lines, thereby inciting communal disharmony. Sources from various angles have confirmed that the Congress high command is appraised of the sensitive issue, where the involvement of the chief minister’s family members is not ruled out. (ANI)