ITANAGAR, March 16 - Taking strong exception to reported assault of an Arunachalee student, Higio Gungtey, by his landlord at Bengaluru recently �just for using excess water�, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu today shot off a letter to his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah requesting latter�s personal intervention in punishing the culprit so as to set an example to thwart such incidents in future.
Khandu noted in his letter that though several charges were filed against the accused � one Hemanth Kumar, a lawyer by profession � he has managed to obtain anticipatory bail. He also drew attention of Siddaramaiah towards the fact that every year, thousands of students from Arunachal Pradesh go to Karnataka, particularly Bengaluru for pursuing higher and technical education.
While pointing out that these students face racial discrimination in one or other form, Khandu asserted that such discrimination ought to be negated in every possible way. He said, culprits engaged in such kind of activities should be dealt with iron hands so that recurrence of such incidents are nipped at the bud and a sense of security is instilled amongst the student community pursuing studies in Karnataka.
�I would therefore seek your personal intervention in the present case to ensure that the culprit is punished according to the law of the land and justice is delivered to the victim and his family members. I also would like to seek your kind assurance in ensuring safety and security of our students studying in various colleges and educational institutions in your State,� Khandu added in his letter.
Expressing his umbrage over the Bengaluru episode, Governor PB Acharya said that such irresponsible and uncivilizes behaviour of a few needs to be condemned by one and all, adding that it is against the very spirit of national character.
A release from Raj Bhavan today said that taking up the issue, the Governor had a telephonic chat with his Karnataka counterpart Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala and requested him to give special attention towards such problems and challenges of students from North East, particularly Arunachal Pradesh.
Acharya also spoke to the Chief Secretary of Karnataka and directed him to take immediate and strong action against the culprit, adding that a criminal case under the provision of SC/ST Act may also be initiated.
Meanwhile, the relatives of Higio Gungtey met the Governor at Raj Bhavan here and submitted a memorandum. The Governor immediately spoke to Higio�s parents Dr Higio Tama and Higio Yame, who are in Bengaluru. The Governor assured the delegation that he will take all steps to punish the culprit. The Raj Bhavan has forwarded the memorandum to the Raj Bhavan in Karnataka and Chief Secretary for necessary action.