Army conducts flag marches in violence-hit Itanagar

Guwahati/Itanagar, Feb 23 (IANS) On request from the Arunachal Pradesh government, the Army moved swiftly to the areas of Itanagar, affected by violence over the permanent resident certificate (PRC) issue since Friday.The Army conducted flag marches in Naharlagun and Chimpu areas to bring the situation under control, following violence by student unions protesting against the government's move to grant PRCs to non-Arunachal Scheduled Tribes.A Dimapur-based Army spokesman on Saturday said columns of Spear Corps were moved to Itanagar on Friday night, and deployed to caution protesters.The forces are prepared to cater to any contingency and assist the civil administration in restoration of essential services.This prompt action has been able to contain spread of violence. The Army is prepared to provide all assistance to ensure peace and restoration of normalcy at the earliest in violence-hit areas.
--IANS ah/pgh/pcj