AAPSU Threatens Protests Over Arunachal Kachari Tribe Proposal

Itanagar: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union is bracing for a fight. They declared strong opposition to the state government's plan to hold a consultation on granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Kachari community. The Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs scheduled the meeting for July 13. The Chief Secretary will chair the session.

State officials invited leaders from the All Arunachal Pradesh Kachari Community Development Council, Sonowal Kachari Jatiya Parishad, and the All Arunachal Pradesh Sonowal Kachari Students' Union. AAPSU president Meje Taku warned the government to cancel the meeting immediately. He insists the state's tribal protections are non-negotiable. "Granting Scheduled Tribe status to communities that are not indigenous to the state would weaken these constitutional and legal safeguards," Taku said.

The union pointed out that Arunachal Pradesh remains protected under the 1873 Inner Line Permit system. This law secures land and political rights for locals. The students argue the Kachari community already holds ST status in Assam. They fear that relaxing these standards will invite a flood of new claims from other groups. Such a shift could permanently alter the region's demographic and political makeup. AAPSU officials vowed to escalate their agitation if the government pushes forward.