Staff Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Sep 30: In a significant development amid the ongoing protest by the Itanagar Traffic Wardens (ITWs), Home Minister Mama Natung on Tuesday appealed to the agitating personnel to call off their indefinite dharna immediately and return to duty, while assuring them that the government is ready to engage in dialogue over their demand for absorption into the Arunachal Pradesh Home Guard service.
The appeal comes as nearly 145 ITWs continue their indefinite sit-in demonstration in the capital, pressing for their long-pending regularization into the Home Guard cadre against already sanctioned posts — a demand that has seen multiple assurances from the government, including a Cabinet decision, yet remains unfulfilled.
Speaking to the media, Minister Natung acknowledged the legitimacy of the ITWs’ demand but reiterated that the recruitment process must adhere strictly to government rules and established protocols.
“There are specific technical criteria and procedures in place for the recruitment of ITWs into the Home Guard. It cannot be done arbitrarily,” the Minister explained.
Issuing a direct message to the protesting wardens, he urged them to end their agitation and resume their crucial public service duties:
“Call off the dharna and return to your duty as dharna will not bring any solution, but a dialogue can,” said the Minister further adding “We are ready to talk. Our government is a people-centric government, and the welfare of our citizens remains our top priority.”
The government has already abolished the  Physical Efficiency Test for them as sought by ITWs, as well as working on age relaxation; however, the department is only taking the Physical Standard Test, which is a normal routine in any security forces  job, said the Home Minister.
Meanwhile, responding to query, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said, he was out of the capital for the last 10 days, and will review the situation with the Department related to the ongoing protest.

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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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