Guwahati, Aug. 24: The Tala Bandi Andolan launched by Galo groups over commencement of functioning of Lower Siang district entered the fourth day in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh today.
The Galo Students Union (GSU), Galo Youth Organisation (GYO) and the Galo Peoples Front (GPF) has launched the agitation at all government establishments, barring educational institutions and hospitals, in 28 Lokabali and 36 Nari-Koyu Assembly constituencies. Most government offices remained closed today too.
The Galo groups have been demanding start of functioning of Lower Siang district, which was notified by the state government in 2014. Sources said the district has not been formed officially as the state government is yet to finalise its headquarters.
Nari-Koyu constituency, where protesters had clashed with government officials and police yesterday, remained tense today. Paramilitary forces staged a flag march. The eight persons arrested in connection with yesterday's incident got bail. Leaders of the three organisations, Nari-Koyu MLA Kento Rina and the police held a meeting.
GPF president Nyadar Loya blamed the Pema Khandu government for delay in functioning of the district.
GSU president Binya Ronya said, "The state government has deployed a large number of paramilitary and Special Task Force personnel in these two constituencies, which in turn has created a fear psychosis among the people. Why is the Pema Khandu-led government using excessive brutality against its own citizens, who are only claiming what has been promised to them by the state government?"
Ronya alleged that paramilitary personnel yesterday went on a rampage in Nari township and it's adjoining villages, entered government quarters and houses at random and damaged household goods and properties. "We strongly condemn the state government for trying to crush a peaceful agitation by using brute force," he said.
The organisations resolved to boycott the ensuing panchayat election in the two constituencies if the state government fails to make Lower Siang district functional by posting a deputy commissioner and a superintendent of police at Lokabai, which it suggested could be the district's temporary headquarters.
