Arunachal: Mass protest erupts in Itanagar over government employees' political interference

A multitude of residents and students gathered in Itanagar to denounce the purported intrusion of the Koloriang Employees Forum (KEF) into political affairs. The protest was ignited by recent statements made by the General Secretary of KEF sparking allegations of political bias and interference within the government ranks.

Voicing their discontent, the demonstrators contended that the KEF, composed of government officials from the 21st Koloriang Constituency, had overstepped its bounds by dictating electoral matters and advocating for unopposed candidates. Such assertions were met with staunch opposition from the public who defended the sanctity of democratic principles.

Among the voices raised against the KEF's alleged overreach was Bengia Bado, Vice President of the BJP in Kurung Kumey District. Condemning the statements made by the KEF General Secretary, Bado stated the imperative of preserving law and order, decrying any notion of electoral coercion or violence. He underlined the reputation of Koloriang as an emerging tourism hub and called for an apology from the KEF for its inflammatory remarks.

Echoing similar sentiments, youth leader Nangram Pentum expressed dismay over the perceived politicization of the KEF, originally established to combat the pervasive influence of money in elections. Pentum stated the necessity of upholding the democratic process and ensuring fair representation for all aspiring candidates.

Koloriang,in the heart of Kurung Kumey District along the Arunachal-China border has historically been a focal point of electoral sensitivity. Previous elections witnessed episodes of violence prompting heightened scrutiny from election authorities.