AAPSU slams APPSC for listing Chakmas as candidates

From our correspondent

Itagar, Oct 27: The All Aruchal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has criticized the move of Aruchal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) for including four Chakma candidates for APPSC (Prelims) examition scheduled for November 26 next, defying the laid down norms.

The Chakma candidates were categorized under the ST and general enrolled list.

Reportedly, there are three Chakma applicants who have applied for the prelimiry examitions through the general category, two of which are from msai and one from Changlang districts. The fourth candidate has applied through the Scheduled Tribe category from Papum Pare district.

“This is a gross violation of rules since Chakmas and Hajongs are not indigenous tives of the State and they are not citizens of the country,” AAPSU president Hawa Bagang said. The State’s apex students’ body also met APPSC chairman Tajom Talohon Thursday for clarification on the issue. 

“There is a conspiracy in the APPSC and the officers are spies of the Chakma people. We are students and will fight against the Chakma-Hajong issue till death for better future of our children and the people. AAPSU condemns the mischief and the officers involved should be suspended as per the laid down rules,” Bagang said.

APPSC chairman Tajom Taloh, however, assured that if any mistake was committed by the department, it would be reviewed and taken into consideration as early as possible.

“When there is mistake the commission can rectify it. ST-certified Chakma from State like Mizoram can’t apply for the APPSC exams in Aruchal as per my knowledge, but other STs can apply in general category,” he said.

Clarifying on the document, Taloh said that the supporting documents, which include ST certificate, are sought when the candidate appears for the mains and persolity test. A particular candidate can be rejected in the second and third stage of examition. This act was not intentiol,” he said.

The AAPSU submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu stating immediate deletion of the Chakma candidates from ensuing APPSC prelim exam list within seven days.

The union also demanded discipliry action against the erring scrutiny committee officers of APPSC who enlisted the me of the candidates.

Addressing reporters, AAPSU general secretary Tabom Dai said: “This is not the first time APPSC has made a mistake. The State and the students’ union have been fighting against the issue since time memorial and such mistakes will affect the people of state in near future.”