Arunachal: Namsai Police Detain Five Amid PRC Agitation by AMSU

NAMSAI: The Namsai police detained five individuals on Sunday after an agitation by the All Moran Students’ Union (AMSU) Arunachal Pradesh unit, which was calling for the issuance of permanent residence certificates (PRC) for the Moran community in Namsai district.

A case was filed against them, and they were subsequently released after being questioned. This protest was part of AMSU’s ongoing movement, which included boycotting the Statehood Day celebrations and blocking the national highway to advocate for their PRC demand. 

During the agitation, AMSU members enforced a blockade near the Dirak gate and disrupted the Statehood Day celebration venue while waving black flags. Despite these disturbances, Namsai Deputy Commissioner CR Khampa assured that the situation was under control.

“There was some disturbance earlier, but as of yesterday, the road is open for traffic, and there are no further disruptions. The AMSU members have presented their demand for PRC,” Khampa stated. 

The AMSU’s Arunachal Pradesh unit has remained steadfast in its demand, pledging to continue its fight for the recognition of the Moran community’s rights. In a media interview, AMSU adviser Manoj Kumar Moran stressed the validity of their demand.

He noted that the Moran community had been living in the region long before Arunachal Pradesh became a state. He claimed that their elders had received PRC until the 1990s, but the issuance was halted, leaving them without their rights. 

Moran also pointed out that a survey conducted before 2019 involved multiple stakeholders, and a consensus was reached that the Arunachal government would grant PRC to the Moran community. However, no action followed.

Expressing his frustration, he said, “Our agitation will continue if our demand is not fulfilled. We are being treated like second-class citizens, which is truly unfortunate.” 

The AMSU’s agitation is not a new occurrence. In November 2023, the union also staged protests, reinforcing their ongoing demand for PR.

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