Change of guard on the cards in Arunachal

Alarmed over the prevailing political situation that triggered large-scale violence in Arunachal Pradesh, the Congress has set up a four-member committee to look into the matter and defuse the crisis.

Alarmed over the prevailing political situation that triggered large-scale violence in Arunachal Pradesh, the Congress has set up a four-member committee to look into the matter and defuse the crisis.

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The committee, comprising Mukul Wasnik, Sushilkumar Shinde (both Union ministers), BK Handique and Dhaniram Shandil, has summoned Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Jarbom Gamlin for “urgent discussions” to New Delhi.

“The CM has been summoned and we hope to resolve the issue in the next four-five days,” Handique told HT. The central leadership is now exploring various options, including replacing Gamlin.

“The possibility of a change in guard is more or less imminent now,” said a senior Congress functionary on condition of anonymity.

Governance has come to a standstill and administration thrown off gear for the past four months with about 24 MLAs, including senior ministers, led by state Congress president Nabam Tuki camping in New Delhi since July 23, demanding Gamlin’s removal.

On Tuesday, Itanagar witnessed sectarian clashes during a 12-hour bandh demanding Gamlin’s removal in which one person died and about 50 others injured when police fired to disperse two warring groups.

“This is a welcome move and will prevent further bloodshed,” said a dissident leader. The CM’s post was vacant after the death of Dorjee Khandu, in a chopper crash on April 30 this year.