Arunachal leaders to move SC again

Bijay Sankar Bora

Tribune News Service

Guwahati, November 26

All political parties in Arunachal Pradesh have endorsed the state Congress government’s decision to file a curative petition before the Supreme Court for granting citizenship to Chakma and Hajong refugees.

It was decided at an all-party meeting held in Itanagar on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki. Leaders of all parties reportedly raised concern over the September 17 ruling of the SC on the issue and subsequent rejection of the review petition.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the BJP, People’s Party of Arunachal Pradesh (PPA), NCP and the ruling Congress.

Meanwhile, the Asian Centre for Human Rights in its report today stated that Chakmas and Hajongs of Arunachal Pradesh, who had migrated from erstwhile East Pakistan during 1964-1968, do not pose any threat to indigenous people of the state. The issue of Chakmas and Hajongs posing a threat has come to spotlight following the Supreme Court judgment on September 17 to implement its 1996 judgment which had directed to process their citizenship applications. Not a single application has been processed since 1996.

The report of the Asian Centre for Human Rights stated population of Chakmas and Hajongs was 14,888 Chakmas/Hajongs during 1964-69 only increased to 47,471 persons as per 2011 census (218% in 47 years).

The SC had on November 19 rejected the Arunachal government’s plea seeking permission to file a review petition and to file additional facts and documents regarding the SC verdict on September 17, granting citizenship to Chakma and Hajong refugees. The SC also made Inner Line Permit system in Arunachal non-applicable for these refugees.