ITANAGAR, Dec 13: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) today expressed anguish over the Vijoynagar violence especially its timing, terming it as unfortunate.

The issue of temporary settlers there vis a vis their participation in the Panchayati Raj elections is being pursued by the union in the right earnest. After the State Government took cognizance of the demand made by AAPSU which was followed by the State BJP withdrawing all its candidates and the State Election Commission suspending the whole election process for Vijaynagar, it said.

Stating that the  union does not advocate nor encourage any form of violence, it said the burning down of EAC office is against the larger interest of the State. Such office situated at strategic location near the international border maintaining administrative records is an important component of the country's administration, it said condemning the vandalism in a release Sunday evening.

APPSU however was critical of the state government stating that it squarely puts the major responsibility for the escalation of the problem on the state government as it was not being reciprocative to the sentiment of the Yobin community of the area.

There is a need for self-retrospection and soul searching on part of the authorities as to why members from the Yobin community were compelled to take such extreme measures. The Yobin community has been agitating and resorting to peaceful democratic protests against non-inclusion of settlers and non-APSTs under PRI since last many years with numerous dharnas, hunger strikes etc even being held in Itanagar. Due to their inclusion in the State list, Panchayati Raj comes under the absolute domain of the State Government. There should have been more direct approach by the State Government and engagement with the Yobin community on this vexed issue, the AAPSU said.

The Union would like also to remind the State Government of similar existing problems in other Assembly Constituencies as well. It has to be understood that consistent disregard for the indigenous peoples rights and aspirations may invite more such happenings in the near future as well. We would like to also urge the State Government to seriously view the entire issue relating to the conferment of Panchayati rights to the non-locals and also immediately take up our previous demands for immediate amendment of the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Rules, the release read.