Editor,
I wish to strongly assert that the demand raised by the Arunachal Delimitation Demand Committee (ADDC) is not only justified but long overdue.
Arunachal Pradesh cannot continue to be reduced to a mere statistic in the name of population-based representation. Our state, despite its smaller population, carries immense strategic, cultural, and national significance. Yet, our voice in Parliament remains disproportionately limited, often drowned out by larger states. This is not just an imbalance; it is a democratic shortcoming that must be urgently addressed.
If India truly upholds the principles of federalism, then representation must ensure that no state is rendered voiceless. Democracy is not about majoritarian volume alone it is about equitable participation. The continued underrepresentation of Arunachal raises a fundamental question: can a democracy claim fairness when some voices are structurally muted?
The ADDC’s call for increased parliamentary and legislative seats, along with greater inclusion of women, is both rational and forward-looking. It reflects the aspirations of a people who refuse to be sidelined any longer. This is not a demand for privilege – it is a demand for rightful space in the national narrative.
I urge the Delimitation Commission and the Government of India to act with urgency and responsibility. Arunachal must not be lost in the shadow of population-heavy states. Our voice matters, and it must be heard clearly, strongly, and without compromise.
Banta Natung