EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Return of the Prodigal Son

People can say whatever they want to, but the truth is I we will do our best to uplift
was abducted and unfortunately by leveling accusation they the condition of the people
cannot cover for their mistakes. I don’t want my enemies to of the state.
endure what I have been through.
TNT: There was a com-
An exclusive interview with Getem Apang TNT: We all know that you are a non-political person and a
lot of people call you a genuine fun loving person? Did you
munity in facebook which
started a group in support
after his release from the abductors expect such an overwhelming response for your support when
you were abducted?
of your safe return. There
were respondents from
all over the country and
G.A: I only came to know all this once I returned, I mean it
First of all let me thank you for this interview, we all operations were on to rescue me and if there was any incident
is nice to see that people across all spectrums of the society abroad, do you want to say
understand that what you have been through in the then none of the hostages would be left alive. At that moment anything to these people
got together and came out in support for my release. I think in
I felt like my life was about to end and that I would never be who came out in your sup-
past few weeks must have been hard. able to meet my parents and loved ones again. It’s not a great
certain places women kept fast and prayed for my release and
port?
all this is very touching and overwhelming.
feeling to know that you may have only a few hours to live.
TNT: Did you ever imagine that you would be a target of the G.A: Yes and I think
underground outfits? Weren’t there also attempts on your fa- TNT: What are your plans for the people of Arunachal Pradesh? through such communities
TNT: The role of the Home Ministry in the State of Arunachal
ther’s life previously? Do we see you in a more active social role? the world is getting small-
has come under the scanner in the last few months (especially
er and united. I mean this
G.A: I never imagined it would happen to me because I don’t with underground outfits carrying out operations and the kill- G.A: I will do all I can within my State and also across the
was even carried in the TV
think that I have any personal ing of Wangcha Rajkumar) do northeast. I mean that this region is so neglected and I saw
channels, which proves the
enemies, and unlike many of you feel that the common man all this first hand. This was a lesson for me not only socially
power of this medium; I
the other VIP children I have in Arunachal feels secure to- but also emotionally, I saw a lot of poverty and yet so much of
would personally like to thank Senti from Nagaland and Sha-
never moved around with any day? warmth, especially when we were walking back home. It was a
dab from Australia for this. Also, another blog spot started by
bodyguard or protection. May- five hour walk or more and along the way we had to cross riv-
G.A: Frankly, I feel, no one T. Naga, I really appreciate the gesture and the support of all
be I was a soft target because ers on foot, the journey was treacherous but the local people
feels secure in Arunachal the guys who came out and prayed for my early release.
I did not have these things but did all to give us help along the way. My role in the overall
Pradesh today. There have been
then I have always thought that development of Arunachal has just begun, and God willing TNT Desk
spates of robberies, abductions
moving with all this restricts my
and murders recently. When
meeting with our people.
a senior leader like Wangcha
Yes, my father has had a
Rajkumar can be assassinated
few close encounters in the past
and no one gets arrested then
but then I did not think that I
we have to question the law and
would be the target because I
order in the state.
don’t have any enemies with
When these kidnappers ab-
anyone in the region.
ducted me there was no police
patrol on the roads, I mean, if
TNT: Getem, we hear that a
I wanted to shout for help then
huge amount of money was
there had to be someone to hear
paid by you in certain quarters
me. It was a helpless situation,
for your release, any truth in
especially when at the Chandra
that?
Nagar check gate I thought that
G.A: I am not aware of any fi- there would be some law en-
nancial transaction being paid forcement, but then that too was
for my release; all I know was vacant. Maybe we need to in-
that the abductors told me that crease the police force or have
we were being released. some one who can motivate
them. The people of Arunachal
TNT: What was your ordeal Pradesh feel vulnerable today.
when they kidnapped you? Did you ever feel that you would
never meet your family and friends again? TNT: Have you spoken to the Home Minister after your kid-
G.A: After they abducted me the ultras told me that they would napping? There was a suggestion from certain quarters that
let me go after a day or so, but then this carried on for days. this was all orchestrated.
But my fears that I would never meet my family and close G.A: I did meet him once when he came to meet me after I
ones came when some of the ultras said that the army combing returned but then we have not remained in touch.

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