AAPSU bandh ends: Police open fire to quell mob near Itanagar

ITANAGAR, February 9: Police opened fire to ward off a violent mob at Nirjuli, about 25 kms from here, last night, official sources said, reports UNI. The sources said about 60 AAPSU bandh supporters tried to put a road blockade and pelted stones at a police patrolling party. When the police tried to chase them away, some others damaged the patrolling van thus forcing the police to open fire. Sources said though five rounds were fired in the air, none was injured. Police also lobbed three rounds of tear gas shells at Siva Mandir area in the National Highway 52(A) last night when bandh supporters was trying to block the road preventing Chief Minister Mukut Mithi from crossing the area, sources said. Arunachal Pradesh Students Union speaker Norbu Sonam alleged that a minor received bullet injuries when the CRPF opened fire at Yazali in Lower Subansiri district during the AAPSU-sponsored bandh Thursday. He alleged that master Taba Teshi, a class VI student, received bullet injuries in his leg. Even government doctors refused any medical treatment to the child stating that police should be informed first, he alleged. When contacted district deputy commissioner Kesab Chandra, however, dismissed Norbu's claim terming it as a 'rumour only'. He said that situation throughout the district was normal and peaceful. However, shops and business establishments remained closed for the second day Thursday due to the bandh, he said.