Congress asks are Arunachalees not Indians?

Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to arrive here on February 15, but according to the opposition Congress Party, he would be using his visit to announce numerous sops.

"He would be giving lip service this time too amounting to 'empty vessel sounds much' as 2018-19 Budget has already been presented," Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee president Takam Sanjoy, flanked by his predecessor Padi Richo, told press persons at the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here on Tuesday.

He said Modi after becoming Prime Minister gave the worst slap (jhatka) to North East India, by withdrawing the North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy, introduced by UPA Govt to offer central capital investment subsidy of 30 percent to investors, besides other subsidies, including PDS. The withdrawal of Special Category State (SCS) status of this sensitive border state of Arunachal Pradesh came like a 'bolt from the blue', putting its development at stake.

"Like Nagaland and Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh was granted SCS status under Article 371 (H) by former Congress Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi considering its sensitivity and proximity to international border that ensured 30 percent plan expenditure as subsidy unlike 10 percent to other states/UTs. Why has it been withdrawn, are we not Indians," he asked.

Accusing the Centre of misusing central agencies like the CBI and the income tax enforcement department even in Arunachal to harass the people, he asked the Modi Govt to stop such unwanted harassment of straightforward and honest Arunachalees.

Moreover, Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) is violated at the drop of a hate, but the Government of India is in deep slumber, he charged and fumed at the ruling BJP and its stooge RSS for propagating only one religion and life style in multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation Bharat.

Highlighting various anti-people polices of state's ruling government led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, he said the ambitious CM's Universal Insurance Scheme, launched by former Congress Chief Minister Nabam Tuki had immensely benefitted about 2, 25,128 households by offering cashless treatment up to Rs 2 lakh in hospitals empanelled across the country to win national level Koch Award on 25.09.15, but surprisingly it was discontinued in 2017.

"The prestigious central institute NERIST is without a permanent director since 2013 while NIT is in doldrums as release of its payments, including outstanding has been halted by the GoI. Khandu Govt talks of priority to road, air and telecommunication, but construction of Trans-Arunachal Highway, a gift of UPA PM Dr Manmohan Singh, is moving at snail's speed. Portin-Pangin stretch, surrender by NHIDC has been delayed for long which has evoked strong criticism from the commuters. No one knows the status of Itanagar green field airport as the state Govt has been claiming that the land owners are unwilling to part with their land. "I as a land owner have never objected to it," does it not mean Union MoS (Home) Kiren Rijiju and Khandu have been telling white lies," he said.

Adoption of Tibetan Rehabilitating policy, 2014 and proposal to set up more camp for Chakma-Hajong refuges as learnt while neglecting peace-loving indigenous people living in communal harmony in the state would have far reaching consequences, he warned, and asked why not extend the demarcated camps for Chakma-Hajong refugees?

Khandu has been propagating to tap state's huge hydropower potentials, but except projects implemented by Congress Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, the power developers are seen nowhere in the state reflecting dismal performance of Khandu Government, he charged.

In fact, Khandu took oath as chief minister after his predecessor Tuki sacrificed his chair. However, Khandu along with many Congress MLAs with manipulation switched over loyalty to PPA again to BJP, but continued without taking any oath. Is not an illegal and unconstitutional Govt, he asked?

However, responding to press persons after joining BJP, Khandu had said there would be continuous fund flow from the Centre ruled by the BJP. How much funds have been received by the GoAP so far, he wanted to know?

These points are enough clinching evidences that present BJP Govt at the Centre headed by PM Modi and CM Khandu in the state are "anti-secular, anti-religious, anti-tribal, anti-democratic and anti-people" and attempting to befool the simpleton Aruncahlees, he cautioned.

The views expressed in the above article are that of Mr. Pradeep Kumar, Editor, Arunachal Observer.