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Arunachal govt dumps permanent residency move after violent protests, calls meeting with NGOs, pol parties

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Arunachal Pradesh remained tense today (Monday, Feb 25) after three days of violence.

An indefinite curfew Itanagar and Naharlagun and the suspension of internet services remained in force, police said.

Arunachal Pradesh witnessed massive violence for three days from Friday over the Joint High Power Committee (JHPC) recommendation granting permanent resident certificates (PRC) to six communities who are not natives of the state but have been living in Namsai and Changlang districts for decades.

A PTI report said Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Satya Gopal issued a statement yesterday, saying: “Considering the present situation pertaining to grant of PRCs to non-APST (Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribes) of Namsai and Changlang districts, the state government has decided that no further action will be taken in grant of PRCs.”

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There was no report of violence from anywhere in the state on Monday but shops and market establishments in Itanagar and Naharlagun were closed, police said, adding that central paramilitary forces sent to help the state administration in maintaining law and order have reached Itanagar.

Union minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju Sunday said the state government has decided to not accept the JHPC to grant permanent resident certificates to six communities living in Namsai and Changlang districts, and blamed the Congress for “instigating” a section of the people.

On Sunday, two people were killed and three injured when protesters tried to attack the private residence of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in the afternoon.

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Khandu has invited different community-based organisations and political parties for a meeting to tide over the unrest triggered by the government’s now abandoned move to grant permanent resident certificates (PRC) to six non-tribal communities.

Khandu had called an all-party meeting Sunday to take stock of the situation and decide on the future course of action, but none of the parties, including the opposition Congress, NPP and the PPA, turned up. The meeting has reportedly been rescheduled for today.

“Today [Monday] I have talked to a few organisations of different communities over the phone and called for a meeting with them at 10 am to discuss the present situation. Along with that, I have called for an all-party meeting to have a detailed discussion regarding the recent situation and the PRC issues,” Khandu said in a series of early morning messages.

He said the government will not take up the PRC issue even in future. “I have cleared the government stand on February 22 that we are not taking the PRC matter forward and want to reassure that we will not take up the issue of issuing PRC to non-APST (Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe) in future. Still, a few incidents are taking place where few young boys have lost their lives and are injured. I am deeply saddened for this and once the situation is normalised, I will visit the families personally,” he said.

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Appealing for an end to the protest and cooperation with the government for maintaining peace as the “PRC issue has been ended”, the Chief Minister said a commissioner-level probe had been ordered to find the facts behind the unrest that led to widespread damage.

“I believe there are some forces behind all the incidents. Arunachal Pradesh is a peaceful State and specially Itanagar is very peaceful, but there might be the hand of few people in the violent incidents that took place in the night. The incident took place on Sunday and I think the latest stand of government regarding PRC is not reaching the masses,” he said.

“Though the forces have been increased, it is not a matter of satisfaction to me as I believe that fewer security personnel is better for society and future. They are here for our safety only, but not for any untoward situation that might happen,” he said adding that ex-gratia had been announced for those killed in the protest.

The agitators have been demanding a permanent resolution to the PRC issue, immediate resignation of the chief minister, unconditional release of protesters (numbering around 40) and immediate transfer of the chief secretary, among others.

Protesters allegedly set ablaze the private residence of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and ransacked the office of the deputy commissioner here on Sunday, police said.

An indefinite curfew was clamped in Itanagar and Naharlagun on Saturday and internet services suspended as protesters resorted to stone pelting in which 35 people, including 24 police personnel, were injured. Over 150 vehicles were reported to have been damaged by the protesters since Friday.

The Army had also conducted flag marches in Itanagar and Naharlagun on Saturday.

Three people were killed in firing by security forces since Friday night when a 48-hour shutdown called by 18 indigenous organisations turned ugly. Protesters burnt cars, uprooted the venue of the first Itanagar International Film Festival, damaged roadside property and set houses and shopping complexes owned by the ruling BJP ministers and leaders on fire.

The Arunachal Pradesh unit of the Congress party condemned the violence that broke out in the state on social media on Sunday, 24 February.

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“We condemn the violence that occurred in Itanagar and urge the people of Arunachal to maintain peace in the state. It is pertinent to stand united at this juncture and resort to only lawful means to secure justice,” it said on Twitter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Pralhad Joshi appointed Education Minister after Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation

Pralhad Joshi has been entrusted with the additional charge of the Education Ministry after President Droupadi Murmu accepted Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation amid the prolonged student protests over alleged examination paper leaks.

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Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has been given the additional charge of the Ministry of Education after President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.

The President’s office confirmed the appointment through an official communique issued on Saturday evening. Joshi will continue to hold his existing portfolio as Union Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs while also overseeing the Education Ministry.

Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid prolonged protests

Dharmendra Pradhan submitted his resignation on the 35th day of the student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over alleged examination paper leaks.

In his resignation letter, the 57-year-old leader said he chose to step down to prevent anti-national forces from exploiting the situation.

“For over four decades, I have dedicated myself to the cause of students, teachers, and educational reform. I have always believed that a robust, inclusive, and visionary education system forms the cornerstone of a strong nation,” Pradhan said.

CJP ends protest after Centre’s assurance

Hours after Pradhan’s resignation, CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, during a joint press conference with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, announced that the organisation was ending its protest in good faith after receiving assurances from the Centre that its demands would be addressed.

The resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan had been the principal demand of the organisation founded by Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate who returned to India to lead the campaign against alleged examination paper leaks.

Joshi reiterates government’s stand on students

A day before taking charge of the Education Ministry, Pralhad Joshi said the Centre remained committed to protecting students’ interests and ensuring strict action against irregularities affecting examinations.

He also alleged that anti-social elements were attempting to exploit the CJP-led protests and urged students to remain vigilant while continuing peaceful demonstrations.

“The Modi government has always stood with students and the youth. It remains committed to taking strict action against any irregularities or injustices that affect their future,” Joshi had said.

He added that while students have every right to protest peacefully, they should ensure that their genuine concerns are not misused by anti-social elements.

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Dharmendra Pradhan submits resignation to PM Modi amid student protests

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hours before the third round of talks between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party.

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Dharmendra Pradhan

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a major development amid the ongoing student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

Pradhan announced the decision through a post on X, just hours before the Centre was scheduled to hold the third round of talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been leading the agitation over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.

The resignation of the Education Minister had remained the primary demand of the protesters, who have been camping at Jantar Mantar for more than a month seeking accountability and reforms in the examination system.

The latest development comes at a crucial time as both sides prepare for another round of discussions aimed at resolving the prolonged standoff.

As of now, there has been no official announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office on whether Pradhan’s resignation has been accepted. Further details are awaited.

Resignation comes before key Centre-CJP meeting

The announcement was made only hours before representatives of the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party were expected to meet for the third round of negotiations.

The talks are being closely watched as the government attempts to end the month-long protest, with the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan remaining one of the protesters’ central demands.

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CJP says Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation non-negotiable ahead of third round of talks

CJP has hardened its stand before the third round of talks with the Centre, insisting that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation remains its primary and non-negotiable demand.

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The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has reiterated that the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remains its top demand, just hours before the third round of discussions with the Centre on Saturday.

CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the organisation would see little purpose in continuing negotiations if the government was unwilling to remove the minister.

In a post on X, Ranka said Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation was “non-negotiable” and added that there was no point in holding further discussions if the government rejected the demand.

The third round of talks is scheduled for Saturday afternoon after Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met CJP representatives for nearly two hours during the second round of discussions on Friday.

According to the CJP, it has placed three key demands before the Centre:

  • Resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
  • A guarantee that no legal action will be taken against protesting students.
  • Compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak.

During Friday’s meeting, the Centre agreed in principle to two of the demands — ensuring no legal action against protesting students and providing compensation. However, the demand for the Education Minister’s resignation remains unresolved.

Speaking after the meeting, JP Nadda said the protesters had also submitted five suggestions for reforms to the examination system. He said the government would hold internal discussions before responding during Saturday’s meeting.

Government sources, however, indicated that Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation is not under consideration. According to the sources, the government believes resignation is not the appropriate course of action and continues to back the minister.

Meanwhile, the Centre has announced several measures aimed at tackling examination paper leaks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of fast-track courts to hear paper leak cases, while the government is preparing amendments to strengthen the law with stricter punishments and higher fines.

The Centre has also replaced the Education Secretary and removed 47 officials of the National Testing Agency (NTA), while promising broader reforms within the examination body.

Responding to the action against NTA officials, Ashutosh Ranka said the move alone was insufficient. He maintained that accountability ultimately rests with the Education Minister and reiterated that Dharmendra Pradhan must resign.

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