Displaced Chakma families protest against "extraction" of funds in Arunachal Pradesh

ITANAGAR:

The Chakma Displaced Family Justice Demand Committee (CDFJDC) on Thursday, protested against the "extraction of funds" meant for the rehabilitation of Chakma families who are displaced due to the construction of greenfield airport in Hollongi near Itanagar.

The CDFJDC has alleged that Rs 19 crore meant for 150 displaced Chakma families were extracted by a 12-member Chakma Rehabilitation and Resettlement Committee (R&R Committee).

The Committee (R&R Committee) was formed under Pampum Pare Deputy Commissioner's authorisation, to monitor that the scheme is implemented smoothly.

However, CDFJDC claimed that R&R Committee was formed without the knowledge of the affected families.

“The deputy commissioner of Papum Pare district made payments to the R&R Committee in their recurring bank accounts maintained at the Punjab National Bank, Itanagar branch. The R&R Committee has embezzled over Rs 19 crore,” it alleged.

It further alleged that the amount released was paid to some non-beneficiaries who were relatives of the committee members.

Concerning the houses built under the scheme, they said the houses are of substandard quality and the walls are developing cracks.

Meanwhile, R&R Committee president, Bijoy Ranjan Chakma has denied all allegations and said the R&R is still under implementation.

He also rubbished allegations of embezzling funds under the resettlement Scheme.

CDFJDC has filed a complaint in Balijan police station regarding the issue.

(Edited by Gabriel G Momin)