PPA to boycott Statehood Day

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, Feb 19: The People’s Party of Aruchal (PPA) has decided to boycott the 30th Statehood Day celebration tomorrow protesting against non-fulfilment of its demand for re-amending the existing Constitutiol Act 371 (H) in the state.

PPA President Khafa Bengia informed that it has been the long pending demand of the lone regiol party of the state to re-amend the Act in order to safeguard the customary rights of tribal people regarding ownership and transfer of land and forest products of the state.

“Unlike galand and Mizoram, Aruchal which became a full-fledged state in February 20, 1987, no constitutiol safeguard or special protection with respect to religious and social practices, customary laws and rights to ownership and transfer of land was provided to the tribal people of the state,” he said.

“The government should initiate the same in the coming assembly session and place it to the central government for discussion,” Bengia added.

Stating that it is high time for elected MPs of Aruchal Pradesh to lobby with the central government for re-amendment of the Act, the party also appealed the governor and state’s three MPs to take up the issue immediately for the welfare of people of the state.

Saying that under the President Rule the people were facing lots of problem as they can’t carry their tools to agriculture field or festival ground, Bengia said, “We are living a life without soul under fear psychosis of PR and without the freedom of right under 371 (H) Act”.

Demanding for creation of Human Right in the state, the PPA also urged entire elected MLAs, MPs and governor to bring change in said Act to solve the issue of Chakma and Hajong amicably.