Itanagar: An annexure building of an Upper Primary School at Lipu Bagra village in Arunachal Pradesh‘s West Siang district was set ablaze by unidentified miscreants, police confirmed on Monday.
The annexure building of the school, which housed nursery, Class I, and Class II classes, was completely gutted in the fire.
As per reports, the incident occurred on Sunday near Aalo, the district headquarters town.
West Siang Superintendent of Police (SP) Kardak Riba stated that the fire incident is “shrouded in mystery.” “There were no eyewitnesses, and no call was made to the fire station at Aalo. One teacher who lives near the school was also unaware of the incident,” SP Riba said.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act. Authorities are currently investigating the case using technical evidence.
Aalo West MLA Topin Ete expressed shock and strongly condemned the act. In a statement, the BJP MLA said, “I am deeply disturbed by the unfortunate incident at Lipu Bagra, where miscreants set fire to the Upper Primary School in the dead of night. Although I am currently out of station on unavoidable official duties, I have been in constant touch with the district administration.”
He has instructed the Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) to make alternative arrangements to ensure students’ education continues without interruption.
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Calling for strict action against those responsible, Ete emphasized, “Education is the foundation of our society. Such cowardly acts will not shake our collective resolve. I stand in full solidarity with the students, teachers, and the community of Lipu Bagra. Together, we will rebuild, stronger and more united than ever.”
