Arunachal Pradesh Governor unfurls Tricolour, calls for graft-free administration

ITANAGAR: Amidst a political crisis, Arunachal Pradesh today joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 67th Republic Day with Governor Jyoti Prashad Rajkhowa giving a clarion call for a corruption-free administration.

Unfurling the national flag at Indira Gandhi Park here, the Governor called upon all government functionaries and employees to work with full commitment.

"We have to ensure smooth, prompt, hassle-free delivery of public services. We have to provide corruption-free administration and all those involved in corrupt practices and other unlawful activities must be dealt in with firm hands," he said.

"Let us join hands to fight the menace of the hydra-headed monster called 'corruption', otherwise 'good governance' will be a far cry and the common man will continue to suffer," he added.

Rajkhowa also laid emphasis on constitution of the state Lokayukta on priority basis. Such an initiative would ensure delivery of speedy justice at a reasonable cost to the poorest of the poor, he said.

Step should also be taken with right earnest to complete the process of separating the judiciary from the executive, he added.

On the security front, he said the state does not have the problem of homegrown terrorists or underground elements but some districts in the eastern front are affected by activities of underground groups from outside state like extortion and kidnapping.

"The security agencies are keeping a close watch on such illegal activities and have also been successful in nabbing or neutralising some such elements and also recovering significant quantity of arms, ammunition, explosives, which is indeed commendable," he said.

The Governor, while expressing concern over rise in crime against women, urged the law enforcing agencies to contain such crimes.

The Centre had recommended to President Pranab Mukherjee imposing President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh. Mukherjee has, however, asked questions about the need to bring the state under Central rule, a decision that was challenged by the Congress in the Supreme Court which would hear the case on Wednesday.