Why the Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway Land Compensation Scam Matters
A pressing issue in Arunachal Pradesh is the Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway land compensation scam, which has cast a shadow over the state government. The East Kameng Social Welfare & Cultural Organisation (EKSWCO) has called for immediate action against all government officials involved, accusing the authorities of protecting the corrupt rather than punishing them.
Allegations of Selective Arrests and Collusion
The EKSWCO has questioned the state government's motives in the arrests made so far, with only one district land revenue and survey officer being apprehended. The organisation has demanded the arrest of former deputy commissioner Himanshu Nigam, heads of departments, brokers, bank managers, and officials, alleging that they all played a role in the scam.
Bank Managers' Complicity
The EKSWCO has accused bank managers of colluding with corrupt officials and brokers in laundering public money through the scam. Abnormal amounts were reportedly transacted through savings accounts, with no verification calls made during the transfers.
Targeting Whistleblowers and the Ineffectiveness of the ACB
The EKSWCO has also condemned the targeting of activist Sol Dodum by the brokers' family members and the society. The organisation has claimed that the Arunachal Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is ineffective in investigating the Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway scam, and has demanded that the case be handed over to the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation for further investigation.
Corruption in Arunachal Pradesh: A Broader Context
The EKSWCO has raised concerns about the culture of rewarding corruption in Arunachal Pradesh, citing examples such as the Potin to Pangin road and the Joram to Koloriang Trans-Arunachal Highway, where allegedly corrupt officers were promoted. The organisation has also pointed out that one of the alleged accused has been appointed as a state BJP council member.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
The EKSWCO has urged the government to conduct departmental inquiries against all suspended officers, and has appealed to alleged accused Takam Kechak not to shield other accused members in his statement to the ACB. The organisation has also called on the chief minister to set an example against corruption in this particular land compensation issue.
The Lada-Sarli Frontier Highway land compensation scam is not just an isolated incident; it is a reflection of the deeper issues of corruption and accountability in Arunachal Pradesh. As the people of the North East region continue to grapple with these challenges, it is crucial that the authorities take decisive action to uphold transparency and ensure that justice is served.