[ Bini Yurom ]

ITANAGAR, 23 Jun: The Jan Andolan Anti-Corruption Movement of Arunachal Pradesh has welcomed the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the case involving Chief Minister Pema Khandu, stating that its longstanding demand for an independent investigation has finally been fulfilled.

Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here on Monday, the chairman of the organisation, Nabam Tagam, said the organisation had been pursuing the issue since 2007 and had carried out a sustained campaign over the years through petitions, rallies, protests, memorandums, and delegations to various authorities.

According to Tagam, the organisation’s efforts included submitting memorandums to the prime minister’s office, the Union Home Ministry, opposition leaders, members of Parliament, union ministers, and the governor of Arunachal Pradesh.

He said several petitioners and activists had been involved in the campaign, though some are no longer part of the movement.

Tagam stated that the Supreme Court’s order of 6 April, 2026, directing a preliminary CBI inquiry into the allegations was a significant achievement for the organisation. He thanked the Supreme Court for ordering the inquiry and welcomed the CBI’s involvement in the matter.

He said the organisation’s primary demand had always been a CBI investigation into the allegations concerning Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his family and not a change in political leadership. “Who becomes chief minister or remains chief minister is a matter for the political party concerned to decide,” he said.

The chairman also explained the organisation’s absence from public activities in recent months. He said several activists faced legal action following a bandh call in March, with some members being jailed and others obtaining anticipatory bail. As a result, the organisation was unable to hold regular press briefings, he said.

“Our workers and leaders had to face court proceedings and arrange substantial security deposits for their release. Despite these difficulties, sacrifices are necessary when working for society and fighting for public causes,” Tagam said.

Welcoming the CBI inquiry, the organisation assured the investigating agency of its full cooperation and stated that it would provide all necessary assistance during the course of the investigation. It also urged the agency to conduct the inquiry in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner. (Bini Yurom is an intern with this daily)