Staff Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Sep 29: The indefinite sit-in protest by the Itanagar Traffic Wardens (ITWs) demanding their absorption into the Home Guard service entered its fifth day today and the movement gained new strength as families, including wives, children,  joined the demonstration in solidarity after the government failed to respond. 
Holding placards and chanting slogans, the families stood shoulder to shoulder with the wardens, urging Chief Minister Pema Khandu to fulfil his long-pending assurance of inducting them into the recently created Home Guard posts — a promise that remains unfulfilled despite repeated appeals.
The ITWs, who have been managing city traffic and ensuring public safety for over a decade, said their struggle is not just about employment security but also about long-overdue recognition for their relentless service. They warned that if the government continues to ignore their demand, they will intensify the protest by bringing more extended family members, including parents and siblings, to the site in the coming days.
“Our husbands serve the state day and night with a meagre salary. How are we supposed to survive? We can’t afford proper education for our children or medical treatment for our families. When the government assured us that they would be absorbed into the Home Guard, we had hope — but nothing has happened yet,” said one protester’s wife, holding her child in her arms.
Another family member, who arrived with her one-year-old daughter, made an emotional appeal: “I pray to the Chief Minister Pema Khandu and the Home Minister Mama Natung to have pity on the ITWs. They have served the state in every weather — some have fallen ill, and some have even lost their lives in the line of duty. Our only hope now is in the government.”
The ITWs have vowed to continue their peaceful dharna until the state government honours its commitment and ensures their rightful absorption into the Home Guard service.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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