Arunachal: UTA Video Sparks Debate, Police Questions Chairman’s Tribal Status

ITANAGAR: Inspector General of Police (Law & Order) Chukhu Apa strongly criticized a video released by Anthony Doke, the self-proclaimed chairman of the so-called United Tani Army (UTA), which showcased weapons in a militant camp. The state police are currently investigating the authenticity of the video to determine its credibility and implications.

As per reports, Apa dismissed Doke as a petty criminal, noting his history of arrests and asserting that he holds no legitimate authority to raise issues concerning Arunachal Pradesh.

The IGP emphasized that Doke does not represent the state or its people and questioned his legitimacy to make public demands. He further scrutinized Doke’s tribal identity, stating that adopting a tribal surname does not automatically confer tribal status.

Doke, in his video, had issued demands that included the cancellation of all MoUs and MoAs signed for mega hydropower projects, the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Legislative Assembly Speaker Tesam Pongte, and the revocation of Scheduled Tribe certificates issued to non-APST offspring. He also called for the expulsion of certain businessmen, claiming they were non-indigenous to the state.

Apa warned that the police would respond firmly to any form of criminal intimidation and assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored. The IGP reiterated that the state police are fully committed to addressing any threats posed by such actions and ensuring law and order in Arunachal Pradesh.

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