Itanagar, Feb 17: Former youth leader Byabang Joram has strongly refuted allegations that he was involved in extortion or physical intimidation in connection with a recent incident involving Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) director Dr Moji Jini.

Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here on Monday, Joram also dismissed claims by the Galo Youth Association (GYA) that the matter had communal undertones.

Providing details of the incident, Joram stated that he had approached Dr Jini at his residence to discuss concerns regarding his land, which was allegedly acquired for the construction of TRIHMS.

He claimed that despite multiple meetings with the construction agency, a group of doctors, and the TRIHMS administration, he was denied due recognition in lieu of compensation.

According to Joram, the TRIHMS authorities had assured him that his name would be included on the inauguration plaque as an acknowledgment for the land contribution. However, his name was missing when Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the institute.

"After several rounds of discussions and the failure of TRIHMS officials to honor their commitment, I had no option but to approach the director," he said.

Joram maintained that his actions were neither communal nor intended to harm Dr Jini or his family. Instead, he accused the Itanagar district administration, the construction agency, and TRIHMS of carrying out an "illegal eviction."

"The eviction of my land was carried out without any prior notice. As the rightful landowner, I had the right to be informed. How can I allow someone to take over my property illegally?" he questioned, adding that the public deserves to be aware of the issue.

On his arrest following the incident, Joram expressed pain and frustration, stating that he was wrongly accused of extortion and violence.

"I was neither involved in any ransom demand nor in any physical attack on the doctors. Sadly, my family had to suffer while I spent a week in central jail," he said.

Joram was arrested by Naharlagun police for allegedly ransacking Dr Jini’s residence and intimidating him on February 4 last.