Guwahati: In a display of public discontent, hundreds of residents on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest rally against alleged corruption, procedural lapses and lack of transparency in the tendering processes handled by the Public Works Department (PWD) in Tawang division.
The rally commenced at the Buddha statue, where participants gathered before marching to the offices of the PWD Executive Engineer and the Deputy Commissioner.
Protesters expressed strong resentment over what they described as opaque practices in awarding contracts worth several crores under schemes such as the State Infrastructure Development Fund (SIDF), Rural Engineering (RE), and others.
According to them, several recent tenders were issued without adherence to established guidelines or ensuring due transparency in the process.
A key concern raised during the protest was that the local MLA was allegedly not informed about ongoing developmental works and proposals in the constituency, which, they said, undermines accountability and public representation.
The demonstrators stressed that all developmental activities should be carried out with the knowledge and involvement of the elected representative to safeguard public interest.
Among their demands, the protesters called for the immediate transfer of Executive Engineer Tadar Nyakpu and Assistant Engineer Jumpe Ete from the PWD Tawang division. They also sought a departmental inquiry against the two officials.
In addition, they demanded the cancellation of notices inviting tenders (NITs) issued on February 11, March 5, and March 13, 2026.
The protesters further called for strict adherence to transparent tendering procedures, particularly for projects valued above Rs 50 lakh.
A memorandum outlining these demands was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, with the protesters issuing a one-week ultimatum for a response.
“If our demands are not addressed within the stipulated timeframe, the people will be compelled to launch an indefinite democratic movement,” a protester said, reiterating their commitment to peaceful means.
The protest highlights growing public concern in the border district over governance and infrastructure-related issues. Officials are yet to issue any formal response to the allegations or the memorandum submitted.
The development comes amid wider discussions in Arunachal Pradesh on transparency in public works and the need for greater departmental accountability.