Arunachal: IYC opposes naming of Naharlagun road after Syama Prasad Mookerjee

Itanagar, Jul 7 (PTI) The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Tuesday criticised the BJP government in Arunachal Pradesh for naming a new road from Damsite to Model Village in Naharlagun after Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, alleging that public infrastructure should not be used to promote political or ideological symbolism. In a statement, IYC national general secretary Tarh Johny said the road was built with taxpayers' money and should reflect the collective identity, history and aspirations of the people of the state rather than commemorate personalities associated with a particular political ideology. He alleged that the state government had overlooked the contributions of several eminent personalities from Arunachal Pradesh while choosing to honour a leader from outside the state. Johny said Arunachal has produced several distinguished freedom fighters, nation builders, educationists and social reformers whose contributions deserve public recognition. He named leaders such as Moje Riba, Matmur Jamoh, Dr Bengia Tolum, Talom Rukbo, Gegong Apang, Dorjee Khandu and Kalikho Pul as personalities who had played significant roles in shaping the state's history and development. The Youth Congress leader also claimed that at a time when the state faces issues such as unemployment, inadequate healthcare facilities, poor educational infrastructure and deteriorating rural roads, the government should focus on addressing these challenges instead of engaging in what he termed symbolic politics. He urged the state government to formulate a transparent and consultative policy for naming public infrastructure, with the involvement of historians, indigenous organisations, civil society groups, public representatives and local communities. PTI UPL UPL MNB