The unprecedented violence witnessed during the 12-hour dawn to dusk bandh called by the AAPSUon Tuesday is unfortunate given the fact that the entire state for once sided with a bandh call. Sentiments are understandably at tipping point as the Chakma-Hajong refugee issue has been a long drawn emotional battle for the indigenous people of Arunachal. However damaging and torching private as well as public vehicles, especially an ambulance has left a bitter after-taste.

Everywhere emergency services are left out of the purview of bandh call and despite knowing this fact, one fails to understand what has been achieved by destroying an ambulance. The state already is lagging behind in health services and at the end it is the common man who will suffer from such thoughtless actions.

In recent times, destruction of public property has become a popular medium for airing grievances. A bandh, agitation or political demonstration seems incomplete without acts of vandalism and the resulting damage caused to public property.

Modes of transportation— both public and private have become a favoured target.

Perpetrators seemingly are growing bold in the absence of action and consequences. Protesters feel such tactics and the subsequent pandemonium will attract the attention of the media and the government, and thereby their grievances will get redressed. It is also used as a pressure tactic. Destruction of public property is now taken to denote the impact and success of any agitation or political demonstration.

Hopefully, the executive members of the AAPSU will understand the sentiments of the general public in this regard and go into damage control mode. They must realize that the state is completely on their side in their fight on the Chakma-Hajong issue and must strive to get the people’s continued support.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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