Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, Sep 15: Green Arunachal Foundation (GAF), an independent NGO based in Itanagar has asked the Pema Khandu led government to call for special Assembly Session at earliest to take stand on the Centre’s clearance of granting citizenship to Chakma-Hajongs refugees.
” Pema Khandu led government should call special Assembly Session immediately to take a strong stand that Arunachal would not allow refugees in Arunachal, as they do not have lands rights” said GAF chairman, Tatung Takam.
In a press conference held on Friday, Tatung who is also former AAPSU President condemned the Chief Minister Khandu and Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju on the Chakma-Hajong refugee issue.
“Ever since BJP government came into power both at the centre and state, it made hasty decision to grant citizenship. Is this government for refugees or indigenous people” asked GAF Chairman accusing Chief Minister and MoS Home for not being serious on contentious issue.
GAF Chairman claimed that during the first Core Committee meeting of 2nd Joint High Power Committee held on 3rd November 2012 which was attended by representatives from Chakma and Hajong, AAPSU members and the affected districts Deputy Commissioners under the chairmanship of Secretary Political Department, the Chakma-Hajongs representatives were agreed to settle only in designated rehabilitated area.
“Being the representative of the Indigenous people, MoS Home Kiren Rijiju should take stand to deport all refugees who are now illegally occupied indigenous lands” said Tatung.
“Once Chakma-Hajongs become citizens of India, they are like any other Indians which need to possess to Inner Line Permit to enter into Arunachal Pradesh. Earlier they were refugees so entitled to stay at designated areas with certain facilities” he added.
GAF also castigated the state government for creating of more than 100 Bhoti language teachers despite there is shortage of subject teachers across the schools in the state. He accused Khandu led government of leniency with certain communities and the districts in terms of developmental issue.
