Article 371 (H) a curse for Arunachal: PPA

Our correspondent

Itanagar, June 8: Arunachal Pradesh that is under Article 371 (H) of the Constitution does not clearly state about the ownership of the State resources, which is a curse for the State, observed Peoples’ Party of Arunachal (PPA).

“Unlike most of the NE States which are under Articles 371 (A) or (G) and or under the Sixth Schedule, why Arunachal has been put under Article 371 (H) instead of Articles 371 (A) or (G) and or under the Sixth Schedule,” the party stated in a release.

Does it mean that the Arunachalees are not recognized in the Constitution as actual owners of the State resources and the government could sell the resources (land, rivers, etc) to corporations without permission of its people, the party questioned?

The Constitution recognizes and acknowledges the fact that the resources of other NE States which are under Articles 371 (A) or (G) and or under the Sixth Schedule are owned by the indigenous people having absolute right.

“The PPA, though a small party, has resolved to fight tooth and nail for the inclusion of the State under the Sixth Schedule and Articles 371 (A) or (G) so that no government can sell State’s resources without prior knowledge or permission of its people,” the party emphatically said.

“Since the future of our State is at stake, every political party should make the next election issue-based. All candidates, irrespective of party, should raise their voice and demand inclusion of Arunachal under the Sixth Schedule and Articles 371 (A) or (G) so that the Constitution recognizes ownership over resources of the State like the other NE States,” it added.