Arunachal: Political Victories Overshadowed by Trafficking Challenges

Itanagar: The BJP won 46 of 60 assembly seats in the concurrent Lok Sabha and state elections in 2024, securing a third straight term. This marked a significant change in the political scene in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The state had to deal with a troubling chapter of widespread sex trafficking involving minors in addition to political changes.

The party's emphasis on development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership was credited with the triumph, which included ten uncontested victories. The People's Party of Arunachal claimed two assembly seats, the NCP won three, and the NPP kept five of its allies. Additionally, three independents were chosen.

With only one of the 19 seats it ran for, the Congress was dealt a crushing setback.

Congress state president Nabam Tuki accepted the loss and stated that the party would keep fighting for the rights of the people, while Chief Minister Pema Khandu attributed the BJP's victory to development projects carried out by the NDA government.

The BJP won both parliamentary seats in the Lok Sabha elections.

In addition to politics, the state had a rough year in 2024 after it was discovered that sex trafficking involving children was prevalent. When survivors courageously came forward to reveal the exploitation in August, a significant case emerged. Nine persons who reportedly ran the racket for years were taken into custody by the police.

The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights stepped in and suggested strict measures, such as firing three government workers—including a police officer—for their roles.

Key suspects David Dulom, a surveyor in the water resources department, and his wife Chaya Dulom, a health department employee, were charged with forcing underage girls into the sex trade.

Four victims, including two juveniles, were saved when an interstate trafficking organisation was busted at Ziro in the Lower Subansiri district that same month.

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