AAPSU stages protest rally denouncing SC verdict

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, Sept 28: Protesting the September 17 verdict of the Supreme Court directing the state government and the Centre to provide settlement to Chakma and Hajong refugees within three months, the All Aruchal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Monday staged a protest rally here.

The rally which began from Akashdeep in the morning, culmited at Raj Bhawan.

The apex students’ body of the state flanked by various organizations was denied appointment to meet the Governor for submission of a memorandum on the issue, AAPSU president Kamta Lapung told reporters here.

“The governor, being the constitutiol head of the state, should work as a bridge between the state and the Centre but denying appointment to AAPSU he has proved that he is not interested to work for the interest of the indigenous tribal people,” Lapung alleged.

“We believe that the governor was posted in the state with political motive and if he fails to work for the people’s interest he should not remain in the state,” Lapung added.

AAPSU General Secretary Biru si dwelling on the memorandum informed that the people of the state would never accept the court’s verdict especially AAPSU, for granting citizenship to Chakma and Hajong refugees which would hamper the demography of the state.

“Through the governor we want to send a clear message to the President of India and the Centre that the people of the state are vehemently opposing the verdict of the apex court,” si said.

The AAPSU has threatened to intensify its agitation if the Centre agree to provide settlement to the refugees as per the court’s deirective.

The rally was also participated by All Tagin Students Union (ATSU), West Siang Students Union, All Longding Students Union (UALSU) and All Kurung Kumey Students Union.