ITANAGAR, March 1 - Life limped back to normalcy in the twin capital cities of Arunachal Pradesh � Itanagar and Naharlagun � today after a week of violent protests over the issue of grant of permanent resident certificates (PRCs) to non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribes (APSTs) of Namsai and Changlang districts.
The bone of contention was that the State Government-constituted Joint High Power Committee (JHPC) headed by minister Nabam Rebia had recommended grant of PRCs to the non-APSTs � a move which was strongly opposed by local organisations, which believed the rights and interests of the indigenous people would be compromised if the Government accepted the recommendations.
Apart from arson, loot and damage to public and private properties, three youths lost their lives during the anti-PRC agitation and five others sustained bullet injuries. The injured are recuperating in hospitals in and outside the State, officials said.
Following the violent protests, the State Government decided not to act on the recommendations of the JHPC with Chief Minister Pema Khandu announcing that the State Government �shall never take up the PRC issue again keeping in mind the sentiments of the people�.
All the business establishments, shops, markets, government offices including banks and post offices, and educational institutions reopened today. Besides, all types of vehicles were seen plying on the capital streets as usual. The State Government has made heavy security arrangements to avoid any further tension in the capital.
Meanwhile, the State Government has withdrawn the suspension of Internet and mobile data services in the Itanagar capital complex with immediate effect in view of improvement in the overall law-and-order situation.
The Government had on February 22 night stopped the Internet services temporarily, apprehending further deterioration in law and order following the violence on the PRC issue. It was for the first time that the Government had to stop the IT services keeping in view the large impact of the social media on the society.
