Khandu rubbishes Apang's allegation for son's abduction

Itanagar, Jul 1 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and his predecessor Gegong Apang continued slinging mud at each other even after five days of safe release of the latter's son Getem Apang and his music teacher Narendra Rai by their abductors.

Mr Khandu challenged Mr Apang's statement, published in a local newspaper, that political opponents were involved in the abduction.

He asked the former Chief Minister to spill out their names.

''It is extremely unfortunate that a person of Gegong Apang's stature, who has been the in the saddle for 23 years, has issued such a highly reactionary and inappropriate press statement to further politicise the incident,'' Mr Khandu averred.

''Instead of making such a wild allegation, it will be better if he (Apang) comes out with the names of his suspected opponents, involved in the abduction,'' Mr Khandu said in a statement.

Furthermore, he contradicted to Mr Apang's denial that Tahak Tatak, one of the abductors under arrest, was a family member and upheld that 'fact is fact'. ''Fact remains that Tatak is the maternal uncle of Getem as far as tribal relationships is considered,'' he asserted.

''We put all available resources into action, including constant liaisoning with the Centre and the Army as well as civil societies.

We left no stone unturned to secure the release of the duo and succeeded in our efforts,'' he said.

Without mentioning Mr Apang's demand for a CBI inquiry, he clarified that the government had confidence in the state's police machinery, which he felt, was competent to take on the case.

Stating that no leniency would be granted to the persons, found guilty of abduction, he said the core of entire episide would be soon reached.

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