Itanagar: The alleged removal of indigenous faith flags during the Indigenous Faith Day celebrations in the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) has ignited a controversy, raising demands for action against Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom.
According to the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP), the incident unfolded on November 30 as the flags being displayed along the Trans Arunachal Highway within the Itanagar Municipality jurisdiction were removed by uniformed personnel who claimed to be acting on the orders of DC Potom.
The IFCSAP in representation submitted to the chief secretary on Friday asserted that they had obtained proper written permission from the Itanagar Municipal Corporation, paying the required fees for displaying flags and posters/hoardings on the day.
“As such, there leaves no room for the DC/District Magistrate to suspect violation of any of the rules or norms governing the ICR or the Itanagar Municipality and order for removal of the flags. Even if in the fanciest of his (Potom’s) observation that there has been a violation of rules, he should have either first directed the IFCSAP to remove the flags or nullify the permission of the IMC with a copy to IFCSAP before taking such autocratic and unilateral decision,” the society said in its letter.
The society said the extremely provocative nature and unwarranted act of DC Potom has sent shockwaves across the ICR, hurt the religious sentiments of the indigenous faith groups and outraged the mental peace of every conscious mind.
The IFCSAP, a registered society representing diverse cultural and religious groups, also expressed suspicion of deeper conspiracies and potential motives to disrupt the Indigenous Faith Day celebrations by the DC, while highlighting that Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Education Minister Taba Tedir were slated to participate in the celebrations as chief guest and guest of honor respectively.
“The act could also be intended to embarrass the present state government by resorting to such indirect modes of disruptive activities during the Indigenous Faith Day, which in a sense also mean inciting violence, animosity and vengeance among various faith groups,” the society said.
The IFCSAP has further urged the chief secretary to initiate a thorough investigation and exemplary disciplinary action against DC Potom for his alleged serious omissions and commissions.
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