Tension in Arunachal Capital as Ex-CM Kalikho Pul Commits Suicide

Kalikho Pul ‘s suicide has led to his supporters taking to the streets to protest against the Arunanchal government.

Kalikho Pul, Former Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh was found hanging from a ceiling fan at his official residence. (Photo: IANS)

Five Hundred central para-military personnel have been rushed to Arunachal Pradesh after Home Minister Rajnath spoke to Chief Minister Pema Khandu over the simmering violence in Arunanchal Pradesh , reports CNNNews18.

Tension gripped the state capital, Itanagar after former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, unseated on 13 July by a Supreme Court ruling, committed suicide on Tuesday.

Pul, 47, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at his official residence. Incumbent Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein confirmed that Pul had committed suicide.

We have also recovered a suicide note from the room where the former Chief Minister committed suicide. I am not in a position to divulge much at this moment.

Senior Police Official

Tension grips Itanagar After Pul’s Demise

Hundreds of people, including supporters of Pul, took to the streets as news of the suicide went viral and shouted slogans against the present government led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

The agitated crowd gathered in front of the Chief Minister’s residence and destroyed a coffin brought for Pul.

The demonstrators defied the security forces guarding Chowna Mein’s house and vandalised it. They also destroyed some parked vehicles.

Some of them demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to find out what forced Pul to kill himself and demanded the resignation of the Khandu government.

Arunachal Govt Announces Magisterial Inquiry Into Pul’s Death

The Arunachal Pradesh government have ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death of former Chief Minister Pul.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu told reporters that the police had been instructed to seize all available materials so that a genuine investigation process could be initiated.

Pul was widely admired for his compassionate approach towards the needy. (Photo: PTI)

Pul was widely admired for his compassionate approach towards the needy. He was known for probity in public life and honest politics. After becoming the Chief Minister, Pul began holding ‘Janata Darbar’ every Saturday in different parts of the state to interact with the people.

He also allowed his helicopter to carry critically ill patients to Itanagar and to other places in the country for treatment.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu called an emergency cabinet meeting and has announced a three-day mourning to honour the memory of Pul.

The cabinet is shocked and shattered that our senior colleague and a seasoned leader took this extreme step.

Official statement 

In a message to Pul’s wife, Khandu said: “It pains my heart to write to you at this moment of extreme grief. I humbly endure to share with you the saddest times of your life though I know that it would be hard to do so.”