Arunachal students body organise mega stir over killing of former MLA, demands fast-track investigation

In the wake of the tragic assassination of former MLA Yumsen Matey, the student community in Arunachal Pradesh has been galvanized into action, demanding justice and a swift investigation. 

Notably a mass protest rally was organised by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) in protest against the brutal killing of former MLA.

The rally took off from Akashdeep to Raj Bhawan of Itanagar.

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), representing the voice of the youth, has called for an immediate and comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Matey's death, which occurred on December 16 near Raho village in Tirap district.

The AAPSU took proactive steps by submitting a memorandum to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh on December 22, urging that the investigation be conducted in a time-bound manner to ensure the culprits are apprehended and held accountable. 

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Their demands did not stop there; they also called for the sealing of international borders in the Tirap, Changlang, and Longding districts to prevent further insurgent activities and to restore peace in the region.

The urgency of the situation was echoed by the Tirap Changlang Longding Peoples Forum (TCLPF), which appealed for the establishment of a fast-track inquiry committee dedicated to conducting an independent and effective investigation. The Forum strongly condemned the killing and sought decisive action from both state and central governments to prevent such heinous acts in the future.

The collective outcry for justice was palpable as various student unions, including the All Tirap District Students’ Union, All Nocte Students’ Union, All Tutsa Students’ Union, and All Ollo Students’ Union organized a mass protest rally. This demonstration of solidarity saw participation from diverse sections of society, including public figures, religious leaders, and women's welfare associations, all united in their demand for justice for the late Matey.

Yumsen Matey, a prominent local figure who had previously served as a government servant, was elected from the Khonsa West seat in 2009 on a Congress ticket before switching allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2015. His untimely demise has not only left a void in the political landscape of Arunachal Pradesh but has also raised serious concerns about the safety and security in the region, prompting the students' body to take a stand against such violence and seek expedited action from the authorities.