Photo Courtesy: northeasttoday
Itanagar: The Arunachal Schedule Tribes Bachao Andolan Committee (ASTBAC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding comprehensive reforms to the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system. ASTBAC leadership warned that if their demands remain unaddressed after this period, the organization will initiate a 72-hour statewide bandh to protest current administrative shortcomings.
ASTBAC chairman Sol Dodum expressed deep concerns regarding the efficacy of the existing ILP mechanism, describing it as porous and susceptible to corruption at both secretariat and checkpoint levels. General secretary Millo Ambo highlighted specific grievances, including the authority of the political secretary to issue temporary permits and provisions that allow ILPs for mega-project personnel to extend up to two years. The committee advocates for stricter oversight to prevent the misuse of these powers and to better protect the interests of indigenous citizens.
In addition to regulatory reforms, the committee is demanding a formal dossier detailing the family trees of Tibetan refugees residing in the state. To escalate their cause, ASTBAC has launched a three-day online petition and intends to present this data alongside a formal representation to the government. While the committee declined an invitation from Home Minister Mama Natung for a roundtable discussion, they have signaled their willingness to engage in direct dialogue with the Chief Minister to resolve the standoff.
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