Guwahati: Thousands of people participated in a candlelight march from Monday Market to Rising Star International School in Arunachal’s Parum Pare district on Sunday evening. The march aimed to demand justice for 12-year-old Nabam Esther, who was tragically found dead on the school’s premises on March 1.
Relatives of the deceased allege that Esther was murdered by two fellow girl students of the same age attending the same school, as reported by the Arunachal Times.
Various organizations and individuals joined the march, including members of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), the All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU), the Nirjuli Baptist Church, the Nabam Welfare Society (NWS), the Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW), the Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society (APWWS), women’s self-help groups of Doimukh, and schoolchildren. They collectively voiced their demands for justice for the deceased and a ban on ragging, chanting slogans throughout the procession.
A Class 8 student from Don Bosco School expressed, “Our final examination is ongoing, and tomorrow (Monday) we have the mathematics subject. However, we are still here to show our solidarity for late Esther, who was our friend and a sister.”
Surprised by the incident, some boy students revealed that they only learned about it two days ago, emphasizing the challenges of being in a boarding school.
APPDSU president Gollo Lento shared plans for a joint sitting with AAPSU to establish a standard operating procedure, proposing the formation of an “anti-ragging committee” as an essential measure. He stated, “This incident should be an eye-opener for all.”
The family members of the deceased and NWS members condemned the incident, urging the education department to implement strict laws. They emphasized that no substitute could replace the young and promising life lost.
The grieving father of the deceased demanded the erection of a statue on the school campus in memory of his late daughter. He stated intentions to meet with the chief minister to present their memorandum, seeking justice for Esther.
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Notably, the two minor girls allegedly involved in Esther’s death are in the juvenile home in Pasighat (E/Siang), while the principal, headmaster, and hostel warden are in Jollang jail. The police have confirmed that the case is still under investigation.
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