Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: The Arunachal Pradesh government has launched two new high-powered committees to address mounting concerns over indigenous land rights and illegal immigration. Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the initiatives on June 4, following a series of consultations with civil society groups, student unions, and legal experts.
One panel, led by Law Minister Kento Jini, focuses on the preservation of indigenous identity and lineage. This committee will evaluate current protections to identify loopholes that may allow for the misuse of tribal rights or inheritance claims. It is charged with proposing administrative safeguards to secure indigenous land and reservation benefits while ensuring that all recommendations align with existing constitutional provisions.
A second committee, chaired by Environment and Forests Minister Wangki Lowang, will tackle the challenges of illegal infiltration. This group is tasked with strengthening border control and investigating the prevalence of forged identity documents. The panel may suggest the integration of digital and biometric verification systems to combat undocumented settlements.
Chief Minister Khandu noted that the panels will work to ensure the long-term security of the state. He said, "The committee would study the issue comprehensively and recommend appropriate measures to safeguard the rights and interests of indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh."
Both committees include representatives from the All Arunachal Tribal Forum, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union, and the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee, alongside various legal experts. Each panel has six months from its first meeting to submit final reports. The government has authorized both groups to consult with additional experts and gather necessary data from district administrations to support their findings.
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