Government decision on grant of PRC to non-APST draws flack
ITANAGAR, Sept 12: The recent decision by government of Arunachal Pradesh to issue Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) to non-APST in Lohit and Changlang districts is fast turning into a highly emotive one. Already All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) has given 20 days ultimatum to state government to cancel this order, failing which it has threatened to launch massive agitation throughout the state.
According to reports, indigenous people of both the district are absolutely furious with this decision and there is a feeling of being betrayed by state government.
Talking to this reporter one resident of Tezu told over the phone, “We had suffered enough due to the refugee problem. Today Chakma has become majority in many areas of Lohit and Changlang districts. This all happened due to wrong policy of our government. This decision of issuing PRC to non-APST people has added to the misery of Lohit and Changlang residents.”
Meanwhile today All Mishmi Students Union (AMSU) of Lohit and Anjaw District came out strongly against state government decision to issue PRC to non-Arunachalee people residing in Lohit and Changlang. In a memorandum written to state Chief Secretary Tabom Bam, two unions stated that decision of government is a gross violation of rights of the bonafide tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh and it is against the provision of Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act of 1873.
Further they informed that no consent has been taken from the local people of two districts before any decision was taken in this regard and they termed the decision as Illegal and against the interest of the local inhabitants of Lohit and Changlang.
AMSU has appealed to the government of Arunachal Pradesh to look into this serious matter and immediately withdraw the order for issuing of PRC to NON-APST people. It is to be mentioned that large hectare of land has been under the possession of refugees within Lohit and Changlang, if the PRC is issued, then it will give a right to the refugees.
AMSU further stated that outsiders who are coming from various state of India and presently residing within these two districts will get double benefit as many of them hailing from other states have Permanent resident certificate in their native home places as well.
Source: The Arunachal Times
