ES Reporter
ITANAGAR, Jan 17: Inspector General of Police (Law & Order), Chukhu Apa, has assured that no punitive action will be taken against the youths who have been misled by the United Tani Army (UTA) if they voluntarily return to the mainstream. Speaking to the media, the IGP announced that the state police has dismantled UTA’s recruitment network and arrested one key individual involved in the operations.
The IGP disclosed that intelligence reports indicate at least a dozen individuals, including some residents from Papum Pare and Namsai, have joined the UTA. He urged them to leave the group and reintegrate into normal life, emphasizing that no action would be taken against those who come forward voluntarily. However, he warned that those who remain with the group would face strict consequences.
During the investigation, police arrested one Tana Hasi, a resident of Itanagar and a former member of the National Liberation Council of Tani Land (NLCT). Hasi is alleged to have played a critical role in recruiting youth for UTA through social media platforms like Facebook, operating under the direction of UTA's self-styled chief, Anthony Doke.
Tana Hasi was in direct contact with senior members of UTA and Naga Insurgent groups and acted as a link between the group and vulnerable youth in Arunachal Pradesh. He was the main recruiter and recruited young individuals and facilitating their transportation to camps associated with banned organizations. Social media platforms and local networks were used to identify and mislead young people, persuading them to join UTA, informed the IGP.
Though Doke, who was formerly associated with NLCT, criticized the state police for arresting his associates, claiming they are former members of NLCT, IGP Apa dismissed these remarks as a misinformation campaign aimed at misleading the public. He also highlighted that the police had successfully dissuaded at least one youth from joining the UTA.
The United Tani Army gained attention in December 2024 when a video allegedly showing a training camp went viral on social media. The group has made controversial demands, including the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Speaker Tesam Pongte, accusing them of being non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (Non-APST) members. UTA has also called for the cessation of dam construction projects in the state.
The IGP reiterated his appeal to the misguided youth and also to parents not to fall prey to any false commitments by this group. He assured that the police would extend support to those willing to return to a peaceful life. “We are committed to maintaining peace and will take strict action against those who disrupt it,” he stated.