I have equal respect for all communities: CS

Itanagar, Oct 4: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary (CS) Tabom Bam today dismissed the ''anti-Nyishi'' allegations leveled against him by the All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU) saying that a communication gap had led to misunderstandings.

''I have equal respect for all communities of the state and I am responsible for addressing the grievances of various sections of the society,'' he said in a reaction to the ANSU's allegations.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, the ANSU had alleged that the CS had displayed an ''anti-Nyishi'' attitude and threatened to launch a series of agitations from October 15 to demand his removal.

''We have given a 10-day ultimatum till October 13 to the state government for removing Mr Bam, who has misused his chair against the Nyishi community and is trying to sabotage the efforts of nomenclature change in the list of the Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 of the Constitution,'' ANSU president Likha Taji said.

Referring to the recent meeting of various Nyishi organisations with the union secretary, Mr Taji alleged that during the meeting, the CS interrupted the discussion with a deliberate motive to sabotage the entire presentation.

''The ANSU would not tolerate anyone against the community,'' he said and alleged that Mr Bam's continuance in office was detrimental to the peaceful co-existence of the tribals in the state.

Mr Taji said the union would organise a 12-hour bandh here on October 15, followed by 24-hour bandh in all five Nyishi-dominated districts on October 22, if its demands were not met.

Claiming that he had been pursuing the case of changing Dafla to Nyishi and also written five letters to the Centre, Mr Bam said there was no dilution in the state government's efforts on the issue.

He said the process had already begun following the visit of Union Tribal Affairs Secretary G B Mukherjee on September 20, adding that in his letter, he had detailed all possible reasons and points to justify the demand.

Describing it as a communication gap, Mr Bam clarified that at the time of presentation, the Galo Welfare Society had also urged for change of Gallong to Galo, which he had recommended. But it was soon taken out from the presentation, he added.

''If the people are dissatisfied with me, I am ready to resign,'' he said.

However, he expressed his willingness to talk to the ANSU president and general secretary to bridge the communication gap.

UNI