Govt declares APCA 24-hour Arunachal bandh as 'illegal'

Itanagar, Oct 19 (UNI) The state government has declared the 24-hour statewide bandh called by the Arunachal Pradesh Consumers Association (APCA) tomorrow in support of its various demands as ''unconstitutional and illegal''.

Though the APCA has resolved to go ahead with its second phase of agitational programme protesting price rise of essential commodities, besides scarcity of power and drinking water in the state, various market welfare committees and public transport organisations have decided not to support the bandh in a meeting with the district administrations.

The organisations observed that bandhs caused unnecessary harassment to the common people besides hampering the economy of the state.

The APCA, in its first phase of agitation, had called for 12-hour state capital bandh on October 13, which was not successful as all the offices, business establishments and shops, remained open and all vehicles also plied as usual.

The All Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF), in a statement issued here today, expressed displeasure on frequent bandh calls and resolved to defy tomorrow's bandh. It also declared that all commercial vehicles would ply as usual throughout the state. It also urged upon the passengers to cooperate with the federation without any fear and hesitation.

Meanwhile, in a notice yesterday, the Papum Pare district administration directed all business houses to keep their shops open on tomorrow and warned of stern action that may even result in cancellation of the trading licence of those keeping their shutters down as it would be viewed as supporting the 'unconstitutional' agitation.

The administration also directed all officers and staff of state and central government undertakings to attend office as usual.

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