Ensure law and order: Arunachal governor to officials

After taking over the reins in Arunachal Pradesh which has been put under President's Rule, Governor J.P. Rajkhowa has directed officials to ensure that there is no law and order problem in the state, an official said here on Wednesday.

On Tuesday night, the governor chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials, including Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi, and reviewed the overall law and order situation after President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the union cabinet's recommendation for President's Rule in the north-eastern state.

"The governor advised the officers to ensure that there is no law and order and security problem in the state and laws must be enforced in letter and spirit for safeguarding the interest of the common people," Raj Bhavan spokesperson Atum Potom said.

President Mukherjee on Tuesday approved the union cabinet's recommendation to impose central rule in Arunachal Pradesh and keep the assembly in suspended animation.

Rajkhowa directed the chief secretary to issue a circular to all departments and offices to maintain utmost transparency in decision-making and execution of various work and to take firm action against corruption.

"Good governance and corruption-free administration must be ensured under President's Rule, as expected by the people of Arunachal Pradesh," Rajkhowa was quoted as saying.

On financial matters, the governor advised the officers to give priority to payment of salaries and allowances to government employees and pension to retirees.

He stressed the need to ensure that the development process did not suffer.

Rajkhowa assured the officers that he would take up any financial issues or other matters pending with the central government to expedite development in the state.

On security coverage for former chief minister Nabam Tuki and former ministers and others, Rajkhowa said: "Nobody should have any security problem and all members of the state assembly will get security coverage as per entitlement."

Emphasising on road communication as one of the top priorities, the governor asked the PWD commissioner to complete road repair work in the twin-cities of Itanagar-Naharlagun and also important roads to Doimukh, Chimpu, Poma-Jotte, Nirjuli and other districts.