ITANAGAR: The All Arunachal Tribal Students Union (AATSU) has strongly opposed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's recent announcement to give Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) to the Moran community.
Though the step is a moment of jubilation for the Moran people, AATSU cautions that it would pose a grave danger to the socio-cultural texture and territorial integrity of Arunachal Pradesh.
AATSU warns that this move could further escalate the long-pending conflicts between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The organization also highlighted that Arunachal is dedicated to protecting the rights and identity of its Indigenous people and perceives the issuance of PRCs to the Moran community as a possible affront to such commitment.
One of AATSU's key concerns is political instability and regional unrest. The group is concerned that this action could dilute the enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, which is safeguarded under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) of 1873. ILP is an important legislative measure taken to maintain the cultural and demographic purity of the indigenous tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Although AATSU honors the right of Assam to give PRCs to the Moran people, it emphasizes the need for Arunachal Pradesh to be proactive in safeguarding its indigenous rights and preserving communal harmony. AATSU feels that, in the absence of proper intervention, the decision could have far-reaching effects on the demographic balance and administration of the state.
In turn, AATSU has called upon the Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments to take immediate action in relocating the Moran community and other non-tribal persons who live in Lekang. The group argues for their resettlement in Assam because since the PRC status was newly granted to them, members of the Moran community no longer have a legitimate place of residence in Arunachal Pradesh.
Seeking immediate action, AATSU wishes the Assam government to accept its grievance and initiate steps to avoid disturbances to peace, indigenous rights, and constitutional safeguards under the BEFR of 1873. The association stands resolute in its insistence on the protection of Arunachal Pradesh's tribal heritage and ensuring that its indigenous folks do not have their rights and identity threatened.
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