Apex students'' body opposes Centre move on citizenship to Chakmas

Itanagar, September 13

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU), the apex students body of the state, has opposed the Centre's decision to grant citizenship to all Chakma and Hajong refugees living in the North East.

"The decision of the Centre will spark social unrest in the state and we will oppose granting of citizenship to them (Chakma and Hajong refugees) within the territory of the state," AAPSU general secretary Tobom Dai told reporters here.

"If they are granted citizenship, the future of the indigenous tribal population will be at stake and will change the demography of the state," Dai said.

"The refugees have already outnumbered the local population especially in Diyun and Bordumsa areas under Changlang district and with granting of citizenship they will get political rights in the state," Dai said.

"We will launch rigorous mass movement in the state against the Centre's illogical decision and will finalise our modus operandi in a day or two," the AAPSU leader added. — PTI