Arunachal continues to boil; curfew extended till Wednesday

Itanagar: Curfew here continued and tensions still prevailing three days after the violence erupted over the state government's move to grant permanent residence certificate (PRC) to six non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribes communities.

"The curfew has been extended till 9 a.m. on Wednesday to calm the prevailing law and order situation," said Itanagar Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan.

The curfew in Itanagar and Naharlagun was imposed for an indefinite time on Saturday after demonstrators protesting against the government's PRC move went on the rampage, indulging in arson and stone pelting.

One person was killed after sustaining a bullet injury in Naharlagun.

The Opposition National People's Party (NPP), People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) and the Congress decided not to attend an all-party meeting.

"What is the point of attending the all-party meeting when the Chief Minister (Pema Khandu) refused to listen to our voice against granting PRCs to six non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribes communities in Namsai and Changlang districts," said NPP MLA Mutchu Mithi.

On Sunday, the Arunachal Pradesh government froze its decision on the controversial PRC that triggered widespread violence for a third day, leading to the torching of the Deputy Chief Minister's house.

Chief Secretary Satya Gopal said in a statement: "Considering the present situation..., the government has decided that no further action shall be taken in respect of grant of PRC."

Four Army columns were deployed in the capital while authorities suspended internet services across the state to avoid the spread of fake news.

Later, protesters set ablaze 50 vehicles and damaged over 100 vehicles.