Refugees should be under Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation: AAPSU

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITAGAR, Oct 2: Reiterating its stand on granting citizenship to Chakma and Hajong refugees in the state, the All Aruchal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has said that even if the Centre decides to settle the refugees in the state, it should ensure that they are not treated at par with the indigenous people of the state. “The question of granting citizenship to the refugees is the policy decision of the Centre. If New Delhi plans to settle the refugees in the state, the government will have to ensure that they are not treated at par with indigenous people and the refugees come under the ambit of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system,” AAPSU President Kamta Lapung told reporters here.

While disclosing about the recent meeting between an AAPSU team with Union MoS for Home Kiren Rijiju and officials of his ministry at New Delhi, Lapung stated that the ministry’s officials and the minister have taken serious note of AAPSU’s stand and has assured to formulate laws on the same after making a field visit and conducting a meeting with all the stake holders in the state.

Union’s General Secretary Biru si asserted that the refugees would have to abide by the 1873 Regulation Act and carry with them ILPs at all times. Moreover, the refugees should not allow claiming ownership of land or any immovable properties, si added.