ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Feb 14: Deeply upset by the unconfirmed JHPC report on the Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) issue, The All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) and All Tangsa Student Union (ATSU) on Thursday called for its immediate withdrawal and constitution of a fresh committee comprising expert members in the  field  to examine the matter de novo.
Both the organizations also demanded immediate resignation of JHPC, Chairman, Nabam Rebia and Secretary, Ninong Ering within three days for their alleged attempt to abuse the BEFR Act 1873 and wrongfully misinterpreting Section 2 and 4 of the Act and misguiding people with their illogical recommendations.
They warned that failing to fulfill all its demands within the given dateline may invite intense protest or even may lead to boycotting of ensuing Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections in their respective jurisdictions.
The student bodies were also critical of the President and General Secretary of All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union for being "voiceless" and maintaining silence over the burning PRC issue while its federal units continue to wage a war to safeguard the rights of indigenous people.
Justifying its claims, the presidents of both the organizations in two separate press conferences held at Press Club today, alleged that the AAPSU deviated from its promise of not compromising on the PRC issue and has left people to suffer due to their selfish motives.
Saying this, the duo referred to a private member resolution adopted at federal assembly meeting convened by AAPSU at Tezu on December 29 last when it decided not to accept the proposed decision of granting PRC to Non-APSTs at any cost.
Meanwhile, launching a scathing attack on its parental body, APPDSU President, Nabam Tado also questioned the motive behind the silence of AAPSU executive members.
"Therefore we demand its President, Hawa Bagang and General Secretary, Tobom Dai to immediately resign on the moral ground for failing to deal with the present situation," Tado added.
He also hinted that if their parent body’s attitude continues to remain like this, the union may disassociate itself from all AAPSU activities.
Echoing the same sentiments, in another press conference, ATSU, president, Sengmen Ronrang lamented that people in their area are now terrified by the state government’s announcement to grant PRC to Non-APSTs and their trauma has been further compounded with the JHPC recommendation report.
"Everybody is perturbed that something is going to happen if PRC is given to Non-APSTs. There is a feeling of restlessness and insecurity everywhere," he informed. He continued that they are appalled over AAPSU’s silence on PRC issue when indigenous people’s lives are at stake.
"The oath taken by AAPSU executives during federal body meeting was just a show," Ronrang alleged.
Terming the JHPC report as erroneous, arbitrary and a grave error, he called for its immediate withdrawal before the recommendation is tabled in the ensuing assembly.
Citing few points under the JHPC report, wherein it was mentioned that Non-APSTs may be given PRC under section 2 of BEFR Act 1873, he said that the JHPC, lacking experts and consisting mostly of politicians might have misunderstood the provision under the Act.
Furnishing a copy of provisions under the Act to the media, he claimed that it is nowhere mentioned under the Act that PRC privileges can be extended to Non-APST as BEFR Act is completely framed to protect tribal rights, land, and its people.
He also suggested for reconstitution of the JHPC by appointing intellectuals and experts, excluding political leaders, ministers and MLAs as its members.

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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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