ITANAGAR, Aug 22:In the wake of the recent decision of the state cabinet to implement the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy Act-2014 in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in Toto without any amendment, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) today strongly objected the decision and has demand for its immediate rollback.

 Terming the decision ‘hasty’ which can have far reaching effects on the indigenous population in matters of livelihood, demography and also put at stake standing regulation like the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873, the union asserted that Arunachal is a unique political entity and cannot be compared to states like Uttarakhand, Himachal etc that have already adopted the act.

Some clauses in the TRPA-2014 giving jobs in health and social sectors to the Tibetan Refugees will deeply impact the job opportunities of local people and the guidelines that allows them to undertake economic activity to the extent that relevant papers, trade license and permit may be issued to them contrary to the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873, the Union said in a press release.

‘The TRPA-2014 if seen from the perspective of other refugees in the state can open up a Pandora’s box that will do more harm to the already existing fragile and complex state of affairs involving the refugees like Chakma- Hajong in Arunachal. The state government should adopt a policy of extensive debate, consultation and seek expert opinion for every clause of the TRPA-2014 before taking any decision,’ said AAPSU president Hawa Bagang.

Meanwhile, NEFA Indigenous Human Rights Organisation (NIHRO) has also expressed reservations and opposed the decision of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to adopt the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy Act.

President of NIHRO, Domin Loya, said that the organisation feels that the refugees must not be entertained with such benefits at a time when the state is going through refugee imbroglio and facing acute unemployment problems.

NIRHO further questioned the state government on the genuineness of proposing a Refugee Rehabilitation Programme only for Tibetan refugees. It is feared that the Chakma-Hajong refugees too are certain to raise their voice and demand for adopting a Rehabilitation Programme for them, it said in a release.

 

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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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