Two people were killed and six other critically injured on Monday when police fired at agitators. The protesters attempted to barge into a police station in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang town, allegedly demanding immediate release of Buddhist monk and anti-dam activist, Lama Lobsang Gyatso.
She said the injured people were taken to a military hospital for treatment.
The army staged a flag march in Tawang town to bring the situation under control while prohibitory orders were imposed on the town.
On Thursday, police arrested Gyatso, for allegedly defaming the Tawang Monastery Abbot and spiritual head of the Mon region, Guru Tulku Rinpoche.
Gyatso, a monk heading the Save Mon Region Federation, questioned Rinpoche’s nationality in an audio clip.
Residents said a large number of people, including Buddhist monks, gathered in Tawang town on Monday where Gyatso was supposed to be presented in a court.
A peaceful protest turned violent when the court rejected Gyatso’s bail plea.
The violent agitators then laid siege to the Tawang police station, demanding immediate release of Gyatso. After the violence, police again presented him in court which granted him bail.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul termed the incident as most unfortunate and said that the loss of lives and injuries to the others was indeed a sad moment in the history of the state. He conveyed his condolences to the victims’ families.
He urged the people of the state to maintain peace.
Appealing to the people to uphold peace, Governor JP Rajkhowa said Tawang was the “pride of all Arunachalees and crown of Tourism Arunachal”.
“The people of Tawang must rise above personal differences and problems,” he said.
He said Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Mon region, has always been known for harmony and serenity.
Rajkhowa also pleaded to the lamas and elders to guide the people towards amity and reconciliation.
(With inputs from IANS)
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