Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Itanagar: The Human Rights of Arunachal (HRA) threw its weight behind the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) this week. The group wants the state government to kill a planned July 13 meeting about adding the Kachari community to the Scheduled Tribe list. These residents currently live in Namsai and Changlang districts.
HRA Chairman Dr. Kipa Kaha warned that Arunachal Pradesh is a tribal-majority state. He insisted that the land, traditions, and rights of local people hold legal protection. Dr. Kaha stated, "Any proposal that could alter the existing ST framework must be approached with caution and only after securing broad consensus among indigenous tribal communities."
The organization pointed out that the Sonowal Kachari group already holds ST status in neighboring Assam. They argue that any move to grant similar recognition in Arunachal requires deep constitutional scrutiny. They fear such changes could strip away safeguards currently shielding indigenous groups.
HRA reminded officials that the Inner Line Permit system and the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873 exist to protect local culture. They urged the Chief Secretary and the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs to pull the plug on the upcoming talks. They want the government to ensure full transparency and talk to all recognized indigenous stakeholders before making any moves that might shift the state's tribal framework.
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