All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) for survey on Chakma-Hajong refugee population

Our Correspondent

Itanagar: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has appealed to the State Government to conduct a comprehensive survey to ascertain the actual number of Chakma-Hajong refugees in the State.

The apex students’ body of the state has welcomed the statement made by State Chief Minister Pema Khandu on the floor of the Legislative Assembly recently regarding the official status of the Chakma-Hajong Refugees in the state post enactment of Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

As per the statement made by the Chief Minister, Arunachal Pradesh is exempted from CAA, neither the refugees can apply for citizenship in the state, nor can the state government process their applications, the union said in a statement here on Monday.

Further, it was also clarified that all applications for citizenship made by the Chakma-Hajpong refugees in the state after the earlier order of the Supreme Court and before the passing of CAA, were thoroughly scrutinized and rejected by the government as they did not qualify under the previous Citizenship Act.

Earlier, an AAPSU team led by both its President Hawa Bagang and General Secretary Tobom Dai had called on the Chief Minister on December 16 last year and had submitted a representation seeking immediate clearance of the official status of the refugees.

However, there seems to be confusion and serious discrepancy among the authorities with regards to the actual number of refugees in the state, the union said.

The union also hailed the state government for its transfer & posting Policy 2020 for teachers to ensure need-based, equitable and transparent posting of regular teachers.

The AAPSU is of the opinion that unless implemented in true letter & spirit; this policy won’t serve its actual purpose.

“We request the teachers and the lawmakers to render their cooperation in implementation of this new policy which is in greater interest of the students’ community,” the union said.

The AAPSU also urged the government to strengthen the ILP system in the state.

However, the union said, the process for obtaining ILP for the genuine visitors should also be simplified.

During the first phase of the Operation Clean Drive (OCD) carried out by the union previously, more than 2400 ILP violators were detected and handed over to the authorities. Special FTC (Fast Track Courts) should be set-up in all the districts to try those offenders who violate the various provisions of the BEFR 1873, the union added.

The AAPSU also reiterated its support to the North East Student’s Organization (NESO) in its fight against CAA.

“The fight and narrative against the Act in the North East is different from the rest of the country which has taken a somewhat religious and political turn. Our fight is for safeguarding the indigenous communities of the region against the onslaught of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh due to which the entire North East especially Assam and Tripura have been long suffering. The AAPSU will continue its fight against the Act collectively with other apex students organization of North East under the NESO banner,” the union added.

Also Watch: AASU launched Janatar Ranna Hunkar against CAA 2019 in Dibrugarh’s Tengakhat