A CORRESPONDENT
ITANAGAR: Welcoming the statement of Chief Minister Pema Khandu on the relocation of Chakma and Hajong from the State, the AAPSU (All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union) has said that it is a ''historic statement''. It added that the decision will fulfill the long-pending demand of the students' union and the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Addressing the media at the Press Club here on Wednesday, AAPSU general secretary Tobom Dai also appreciated the statement of Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju that a permanent solution to the Chakma & Hajong issue will be possible under the ambit of Indian constitution.
He also said that ''the students' union has been opposing the settlement of Chakma and Hajong people due to many reasons. One of the prime reasons is the perilous demographic changes in the districts they are settled in; and also the aggressive-poacher attitude towards the ethnic tribes of the State.
"The statements of the CM and also of the Union Law Minister are bold; and the proposed move will address the issues faced by the indigenous poeple of the State. However, they (CM and Union Law Minister) should ensure that the decision is transated ," said Dai.
The union also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister to make similar statement to assure the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Responding to the reaction by the Chakma and Hajong on the statement, Dai said that the leaders of the Chakma and Hajong, should keep themselves abreast of the ground reality and also the issues faced by the people of State.
He added the students' union and the people of State have condemned the trolling of the CM and Union Law Minister by the Chakma & Hajong in national and international forums.
Meanwhile, AAPSU president Hawa Bagang made it clear that the people of State will never accept their stay and provide an inch of land to the Chakma and Hajongs. He also appealed to the Chakma and Hajong community to temporally settled here to stop supporting the leaders voicing for their rights and not even from the community.
"The brothers and sisters of Chakma & Hajong should also remain alert and not allow their leaders to manipulate their sentiments for their vested interests. There can never be any decision made by the Government of India against the indigenous rights of Arunachal Pradesh," he said.
The illegal immigrants were brought to the State way back during 1964-1969 without taking into confidence the locals of the State.
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