Itanagar, June 30: Commercial vehicle owners stranded along the landslide-affected Hoj–Potin road in Arunachal Pradesh have alleged that thefts and looting have taken place amid the ongoing emergency caused by heavy rainfall and natural disasters.
According to the affected owners, unidentified individuals allegedly removed goods, accessories and vehicle components from commercial vehicles that had been left stranded after landslides and adverse weather conditions blocked the route.
The owners said many of the vehicles had to be left unattended after drivers and operators were forced to move to safer locations because of unsafe conditions and rising water levels along parts of the road. They alleged that taking away items from vehicles stranded due to the disaster amounted to theft and exploitation of those affected by the crisis.
Expressing concern over the reported incidents, the vehicle owners appealed to the public to act with restraint and uphold humanitarian values during the ongoing emergency. They urged people to refrain from taking advantage of the difficult situation faced by those stranded on the route.
The affected owners also called upon the authorities to strengthen security arrangements along the Hoj–Potin road, safeguard stranded vehicles and prevent further losses. They stressed that enhanced vigilance in disaster-hit areas was essential to ensure that relief and recovery efforts are not undermined by unlawful activities.
