Thousands join candlelight rally in Itanagar to honour slain teacher Yapi Potom

Thousands of people gathered in Arunachal Pradesh’s capital on Friday evening, April 10 to participate in a candlelight rally held in memory of Yapi Potom, a teacher who was brutally killed earlier this week in front of her two children.
 

The rally, organised by the Arunachal Teachers Association (ATA), Itanagar Capital Region, in collaboration with its Central Executive Committee and several civil society groups, was held as a mark of tribute and a call for justice.
 

Potom, a junior teacher at Government Secondary School, Chimpu, was allegedly murdered with a machete by Daksen Riram on April 8 near her residence. The accused has been arrested, but the motive behind the crime remains unclear as the investigation continues.
 

The candlelight procession took place from 4 pm to 6 pm, starting at Akashdeep Complex and concluding at the Tennis Court in Indira Gandhi Park. Participants, including teachers, students and concerned citizens, marched in silence, holding candles to honour her memory and demand swift justice.
 

Several organisations, including women’s groups and community welfare bodies, condemned the killing, describing it as a heinous and inhumane act. The teaching fraternity across the state termed the incident a major loss to the academic community and called for stronger safety measures for educators.
 

The ATA urged authorities to ensure transparency in the investigation and to fast-track legal proceedings. It also demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.
 

Meanwhile, the Galo Welfare Society (GWS) strongly condemned the attack, calling it a premeditated act of violence and a grave blot on society.
 

Social activist Jarjum Ete termed the incident a heinous crime and demanded the highest punishment for the accused, noting that the victim’s two children have been left orphaned. Potom was a widow, her husband having passed away last year due to health issues.
 

As outrage grows across the state, citizens and organisations continue to demand justice and accountability, with calls for ensuring the safety and dignity of educators.