Arunachal to probe issuance of residential papers to refugees

Organisations of Chakma and Hajong communities said such certificates are legal but indigenous groups disagree

Apprehensive of unrest, the Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to form a committee, to probe the issuance of residential proof certificates (RPCs) to the Chakma and Hajong people in the State’s Changlang district.

The government has also decided to “suspend” the RPCs that have been issued to individuals of the two refugee communities.

The decision follows a call for a State-wide shutdown on August 3 by the influential All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), which wants the Chakma and Hajong people ejected. The union deferred the shutdown in view of the government’s move.

Largely displaced by a dam in the erstwhile East Pakistan and religious persecution, the Buddhist Chakmas and Hindu Hajongs were settled in Arunachal Pradesh by the Centre in the 1960s. The indigenous communities of the State have been against the settlement of the refugees, which they said was done by keeping them in the dark.

“The probe committee, which will include two AAPSU members, will submit its preliminary report within 15 days of its constitution and the final report within 45 days,” the State’s joint secretary (Political Department), Rajeev Takuk said.

Also read | Make citizenship to Chakma, Hajongs in Arunachal final: NHRC