ITANAGAR, 19 May: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Thursday said it has taken strong exception to the “selective visit of National Commission for Minorities (NCM) member Rinchen Lhamo to Chakma, Hajong inhabited areas only,” and termed the visit divisive in nature.
“Her advocacy for refugees to get right at par with Indian citizen is uncalled for and unwarranted, undermining the prestigious organisation she represents. A member of her stature shouldering a constitutional office should first of all be well-versed with the laws operating in the state that protects and safeguards the indigenous rights and the age-old protest movements addressed at various levels and platforms,” the union stated in a press release.
It said that, as a member of the NCM, Lhamo “should be impartial in her official conduct and be able to differentiate between the rights of temporary settlers and Indian citizen that is enshrined in our Constitution.”
“The union and indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh always welcome and look upon any central leaders or commission members coming from the central, but not at the cost of our dignity and pride,” it said, adding that “any attempt that is done to please certain groups tagging in the minority card with a religious interest as seen in her speech undermining the many struggle the people of the state has carried out against their permanent presence will not be tolerated.”
The union said that Lhamo “should know that Arunachal Pradesh is a 100 percent tribal state and her maiden visit should have been inclusive, catering to the hope and aspirations of all sections, rather than segregating it for certain groups and religious followers.”
