Arunachal CM Pema Khandu urges AAPSU to cleanse election process

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged the leaders of the Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) to reflect and bring in reforms to cleanse its election process from 'corruption.'.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the inter-tribe festival, organised by the apex students' body of the state, here on Saturday, Khandu termed 'corruption' as one of the major hurdles in the functioning of a government as well as any organisation.

"You may be aware that we have upgraded the erstwhile Special Investigation Cell (SIC) to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), giving it more teeth to deal with corruption in the state. But you must also know that corruption is not confined to government and its employees," he said.

The chief minister pointed out that in line with the state government's commitment to check corruption through reforms like the establishment of the State Selection Board and the overhauling of the State Public Service Commission, AAPSU needs to bring in reforms to check the 'money factor' in its election process.

"It is an open secret that huge amounts of money exchange hands during elections of student organizations. AAPSU must take the lead by example to check this corrupt practice for a better future for the youths," he said.

Khandu called for introspection by the leaders on their future beyond AAPSU.

"Yes, many AAPSU leaders of the past made it into politics and became ministers and MLAs. But have any student leaders made it into civil services both at the central and state levels?" he questioned.

He opined that active student leaders should also concentrate on studies and set examples by clearing examinations conducted by UPSC as well as APPSC, which, he said, will inspire thousands of youths, who are also active in student organizations.

Paying rich tributes to all former AAPSU leaders, especially the founding president and secretary, he revealed that AAPSU was formed in 1972 with a sole objective to resolve the Chakma-Hajong refugee issue.

"AAPSU has been fighting against the permanent residency of Chakmas and Hajongs in the state since its inception 53 years ago. But where are we today? Is the issue resolved?" the chief minister questioned.

He asserted that the present state government and the central government are in a position to resolve the refugee issue for good. While maintaining that grant of permanent residency in the state to the refugees is out of the question, he informed that the state government is earnestly pursuing with the home ministry in regard.

"We are hopeful of a permanent solution sooner than later," he added.

Congratulating the present AAPSU team for organisng the festival in a grand manner with participants from across the state, Khandu marvelled at the grandeur of the state's cultural diversity. "If each of the 26 major tribes and hundred subtribes were to perform on this platform, 3 days would be a very short period of time," he observed. Hailing Arunachal's unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence of the tribes, Khandu urged the educated youths to make the uneducated and the society at large aware when 'rumours' or 'misinterpretations' are fanned by a few vested interests.

Reiterating that the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act (APFRA) of 1978 is not in favour of or against any particular religion, he urged the youths to take it upon themselves to clear the air on APFRA.

"We are a secular country. A Buddhist can become a Hindu if he or she wants to. Any Hindu can become an Indigenous Faith believer. Likewise, any Indigenous faith believer can become a Christian or Hindu. It's a personal choice, and this Act is not going to take away this freedom," he said.

Khandu said that rules of the APFRA have to be framed because it is an order from the High Court. However, the rules will be framed only after consultation with each of the religious communities residing and practicing in the state, he added.

Also Read: Arunachal: One Year Anniversary of Inauguration of Sela Tunnel

Also Watch: