UAIPF opposes PRCs to non-APSTs

A Correspondent

ITANAGAR: The United Arunachal Indigenous Peoples’ Forum (UAIPF) will be organizing a bike rally from Nikum Niya hall, Nirjuli, to IG Park tennis court here on February 10 February to protest against Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy CM Chowna Mein’s announcement on issuing permanent resident certificates (PRC) to non-APST (Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe) communities living in Lekang (Namsai district) and Vijaynagar (Changlang).

Addressing mediapersons at Arunachal Press Club (APC) on Tuesday, UAIPF president Laffe Paffa said, “On January 22 we submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Governor and Chief Secretary demanding that the government does not go ahead with issuing permanent resident certificates to non-tribals. But till date, we have not received any response to our letter.”

“If the government does not pay heed to our demand, we will be left with no alternative but to go to the court,” added Paffa.

Questioning the joint high power committee (JHPC) constituted by the State Government to study the legalities involved in issuing PRCs to non-APSTs, Paffa asked the JHPC to work for the greater interests of the indigenous people and present a transparent report.

“The JHPC must thoroughly analyse the dossiers and come out with an open discussion with the CBOs,” said Paffa.

Stating that the CM and the DCM would be held responsible in the event of any untoward incidents in the coming days, the UAIPF also demanded the cancellation of all the Inner Line Permit (ILP) issued to the non-APST of all the districts.

“Strict checking of ILP should be initiated till a conducive atmosphere prevails again,” demanded the UAIPF.

Meanwhile, sending a clear message to the State Government that the UAIPF would not endure any kind of injustice to the indigenous peoples of the State, the forum pointed out that the amendment bill passed by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh with order No. St-2/94 dated 09-02-1994 does not permit any Non-APST to posses LPC and PRC within the State.

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