Chief Minister Pema Khandu has called for a serious, time-bound, and consultative approach to resolve the long-pending issues of the Vijaynagar settlers, describing them as the “sentinels of Vijaynagar” who have safeguarded one of Arunachal Pradesh’ most remote frontiers for generations.
The unresolved grievances of the settlers, mostly Gorkhas of the Assam Rifles, who were relocated to Vijaynagar in the 1960s, were acknowledged by the chief minister, who admitted that both the Government of India and successive state governments failed to adequately address their genuine problems. Many of the settlers were former Assam Rifles personnel who were encouraged to settle in the region with assurances that were never fully honoured.
These settlers were forced into premature retirement, denied retirement benefits, and left without land security. Their sacrifices have neither been acknowledged nor has any lasting solution been offered. The state must begin addressing these issues, so that they do not continue to live with a questionable identity.
In a 2025 high court judgement, the state government was directed to resolve the land-related issues of the settlers. This must be implemented at the earliest to ensure clarity and to end the prolonged insecurity they continue to face. The settlers, the guardians and sentinels of a difficult border, deserve better and should not be left to fend for themselves, uncertain of their future.
The state and the indigenous population must also take into account the circumstances that led to their settlement in the region. The historical injustices meted out to the settlers must be acknowledged and addressed.