ITANAGAR, 30 Jun: Alleging continued inaction by the Arunachal Pradesh government over the alleged Rs 277 crore Fisheries Department scam, the Joint Action Committee on the Fisheries Department Scam on Monday accused the state government of failing to initiate an inquiry despite being provided with documentary evidence, and announced a peaceful march in Itanagar on 6 July.

Addressing a press conference, the committee said it had submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu on 11 June, seeking action into the alleged scam. According to the committee, it had also issued a seven-day ultimatum, which expired on 18 June. However, it claimed that no inquiry has been initiated and no official named in the documents has been suspended till date.

The committee alleged that several officers and officials whose names have been mentioned in the documents have remained silent despite the allegations. It argued that the absence of any clarification from the officials concerned raises serious questions, and claimed that public money had been misused.

Referring to a recent press interview by Koloriang MLA Pani Taram, the committee said the MLA had described the movement as politically motivated, and stated that he had “no clue or idea” about the allegations. Rejecting the claim, the committee maintained that “corruption has no political colour,” and said its campaign is aimed solely at seeking accountability over the alleged misuse of public funds.

The committee further alleged that, based on documents in its possession, the alleged scam began during 2012-2013 when Pani Taram was serving as the district fisheries development Officer (DFDO) in Lower Subansiri district. It also claimed that, after his retirement, his wife was posted as the next DFDO in the same office, and alleged that the corruption continued during that period.

The committee claimed also that the alleged scam continued between 2012 and 2017.

It further named several officials who, according to the committee, are mentioned in the documents submitted to the government, including former Fisheries Department officials, the district treasury officer of Palin, senior departmental officers, the director, the commissioner, and other officials.

The committee alleged that despite the names appearing in the records, none of them has publicly clarified their position.

The committee also criticised Chief Minister Pema Khandu, alleging that despite receiving documentary evidence and repeated representations, he has neither ordered an inquiry nor taken disciplinary action. It claimed that the chief minister’s silence raises serious concerns, and further alleged that he has ignored questions raised by the Joint Action Committee and other organisations demanding an investigation.

The committee demanded that an inquiry should have been initiated immediately after the submission of the memorandum and evidence. It also questioned why no action has been taken so far despite what it described as sufficient documentary proof.

The committee further appealed to the central BJP leadership and questioned why the chief minister is allegedly being protected despite the allegations. It also referred to union minister Kiren Rijiju, asking him, as the representative of Arunachal Pradesh in the union government, to clarify why no action had been taken.

It additionally questioned the state’s deputy chief minister and finance minister over the absence of action despite the issue having been raised publicly.

Claiming that a preliminary CBI inquiry had already been initiated, the committee questioned why no further progress has been made, and alleged that the government’s inaction has allowed corruption to continue. It further claimed that if the investigation had been carried out at the start, then the 187 crore scam could have been prevented.

Announcing its next course of action, the committee said it will organise a peaceful march on 6 July, beginning at 9 am, from Akashdeep to IG Park in Itanagar. It appealed to political leaders, panchayat leaders, AAPSU, ANSU, social workers, civil society organisations, intellectuals, religious organisations, former and present DSU leaders, and the general public, particularly from Kra Daadi and Lower Subansiri districts, to participate in the rally.

The committee maintained that the movement is not against any individual or political party but is aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and justice in the alleged Fisheries Department scam.