Arunachal Pradesh: CM Pema Khandu voices people’s concern to refugees

ITANAGAR, September 19: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu voiced the concerns of the people of the state on the issue of granting citizenship to Chakma and Hajong refugees in the state.

Chief Minister Khandu pointed that Arunachal Pradesh with its unique history is governed by a special Act namely the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, which prescribes a line to be called the "Inner Line". Section 2 of which prohibits all citizens of India or any class of such citizens from going beyond such line without a pass issued under the hand and seal of the CEO of such district or such officer authorised to such function.

"Further, Section 7 of the Regulation reads as, "It shall not be lawful for any person, not being a native of the district comprised in the preamble of this regulation, to acquire any interest in land or the product of land beyond the said "Inner Line"….," Khandu cited.

"Therefore, as mentioned by me in our meeting recently, I reiterate that the people of my state are not ready to accept any infringement on the Constitutional protection bestowed on the tribals of Arunachal Pradesh and want to ensure that the ethnic composition and the special rights enjoyed by the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are safeguarded at all cost," Khandu said in the letter.

He sought the Home Minister's support in protecting the tribal rights and securing the sanctity of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Arunachal Pradesh.

(Agencies)

Featured image(courtesy): File photo from PTI