Under attack, Arunachal CM Khandu appeals for calm

Under attack for mishandling the Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) issue resulting in violence and killing of at least three people, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has asked people to remain calm and maintain tranquility.

"Our state is known for 'anekta mein ekta (unity in diversity)' and thus it is high time we do not create problems. My appeal to all is to remain indoors and do not take part in the protest," Mr Khandu said in a television interview.

Meanwhile, Congress leader from the state and former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has demanded dismissal of the BJP government in the state.

"President's Rule is the only solution to save Arunachal Pradesh," he has said even as a number of Congress leaders from the state including state unit president Takam Sanjoy have landed in Delhi for 'consultations' with the party high command.

"Law and order situation in state capital Itanagar, in Arunachal Pradesh since last three days have gone out of control now. Many people injured and died because of PRC issue," he tweeted.

At least people have died in the protest over the controversial Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) issue in the north eastern state.

"Deeply pained and saddened at the loss of three lives and I pray to almighty that their soul rest in peace," the Chief Minister tweeted late Sunday night.

"For the peace and tranquility of our state, the government has already dropped the PRC matter of Namsai and Changlang districts," he wrote.

The state Chief Secretary on Sunday Satya Gopal announced that - "Considering the present situation in respect of the matter pertaining to grant of PRC to non APST residents of Namsai and Changlai districts, the state government has decided that no further action shall be taken in respect of grant of PRC".

Reports from the state capital said that a portion of the Deputy Commissioner's office was also ransacked as people ventilated their anguish against recommendations of an official panel to grant permanent resident certificates to 'six communities', official sources said.

The protest and the resultant violence worsened the situation on Sunday after agitators defied curfew and allegedly set ablaze the private residence of Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein.

"Arunachal Pradesh State Govt has already passed an order not to accept PRC as recommended by

Joint High Power Committee (JHPC)," the local MP and Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju tweeted on Sunday.