The migration of people from remote Arunachal villages along the China and Myanmar border has depopulated villages and given rise to strategic concerns. There are some 600 villages within 10km of the 1,046 km border that Arunachal shares with China-controlled Tibet and all facing a severe threat of being completely wiped-out. Triggered by poverty, under-development, lack of essential services and growing aspirations of the younger generation the exodus seems unstoppable.
The Arunachal Assembly was today informed that migration is alarming in Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi and Upper Subansiri districts which share borders with Tibet region of China and elected representatives from these areas are trying their best to stop it.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that his government will plan in a synchronized manner to take back the people who have already migrated. He said the state government has proposed a special package of Rs 4195 crore involving five line departments to the union home ministry for development of infrastructure in the border areas.
A little jog down memory lane—the state government during the assembly session in August 2014 had announced to initiate a slew of welfare schemes in a bid to discourage migration of people living in border areas to urban areas. It had announced the launch of the Chief Minister’s Welfare Scheme for the consumers residing in villages along the international borders.
Seven years down the line, the border community distress and subsequent migration remains the same or has gotten worse.
The rural-urban migration in Arunachal Pradesh cannot only be viewed from a strategic perspective and security point of view but the phenomenon also means the loss of community land which is a source of sustenance for these people. The loss of farmland has a debilitating impact on the overall health.
The story does not only limit itself to villages along the border, but villages are facing similar situations even within its heartland. Even after 75 years of Independence, basic facilities are yet to reach the majority of villages.
For decades rural communities have been living in distress and migrating because of it. Despite best intentions without actual improvement in living conditions the exodus will not be checked. Mere lip service will prove catastrophic in the long run.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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