ITANAGAR, Apr 5: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has condemned the objection raised by Chakma bodies against the conduct of special census of all the Chakma and Hajong people in the state.

It is the right of the people of Arunachal Pradesh to know the exact numbers of Chakma-Hajong refugees living inside the state. There is a strong desire on our part for permanent resolution of the vexed refugee issue, the AAPSU said.

Reiterating its demand for conducting such special census at regular intervals, it said that the State Government has taken the right decision and urged to go ahead with the special census without any further delays.

The Union also condemned what it calls the oft- repeated and malicious claims of racial profiling in Arunachal Pradesh by Chakma & Hajong refugees. 

Large-scale propaganda against people of Arunachal Pradesh by organizations and individuals associated with the refugee community since past many years and the recent protest dharna at Jantar Mantar by Chakma Groups is nothing new and only speaks of their ulterior motives. It is to make clear that the people of Arunachal Pradesh and the AAPSU has been vigorously voicing its strong objections to arbitrary settling of Chakma & Hajong Refugees inside Arunachal Pradesh. The Union has never objected to providing of basic facilities to the refugees as is being provided to the Tibetans staying in numerous camps across the state, the Union said.

“Neither the State Government nor anyone is violating any human rights of any individual or community. Leaders from Chakma Community should not mislead their community members, National Human Rights Commission and the Government of India. History is very much clear. The Chakmas & Hajongs were arbitrarily settled inside Arunachal Pradesh as "Refugees" and over the years, illegal immigration inside the state continues from the refugee community which has greatly affected the socio-cultural set-up of our state. How can refugees claim themselves as APST and what is the basis of their claims? The AAPSU strongly opposes any attempts of the refugees to permanently settle in our land and their notorious demands for APST & citizenship status inside Arunachal Pradesh," stated Hawa Bagang, President AAPSU.

Further, both the Union and the State Governments have given strong indications for resolving the issue by relocating the refugee community. The AAPSU shall strongly stand with the State Government for protection of the indigenous tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh.

While the NHRC has time and again directed for protection of human rights of the two refugee communities by all means, but the question remains as to when will the NHRC take any steps for protection of human rights of the indigenous tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh? Who will ensure protection of the locals when their land and assets are forcefully occupied by the refugees? Refugees should refrain from citing the rights available to Indian Citizens under the Constitution of India to fool the masses," rued AAPSU GS Tobom Dai.