Grant residency to Assamese natives of Arunachal: ULFA Chief

ULFA supremo Paresh Baruah has requested Pema Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, to grant citizenship to Assamese natives of the state and let them continue residing in the state.

His request came in two days after Chakma Community Organisations released their statement condemning relocation of Chakmas and Hajongs out of the state.

Also Read: Chakma rights body says they face ‘uncertain, fragile’ future in Arunachal

“Arunachal Pradesh has always been kind to its Assamese speaking community over the years. However, Assamese speakers, who are native of the land and have been living there for generations before NEFA (North East Frontier Agency) 1972, are now in danger of expatriation,” said Baruah.

He laid much emphasis on legacies of countless families being questioned and reduced to a piece of paper if the Assamese speakers are denied the right to obtain their Permanent Residence Certificates.

“I would like to humbly request the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh to not let the heritage of countless Assamese families decimate. It is an earnest request on our behalf that the Assamese people native of Arunachal Pradesh be granted PRC,” he added in his plea to grant citizenship to the Assamese speakers settled there.

On August 24, Five major Chakma & Hajong Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) had stated their concerns after conducting a meeting to discuss the recent developments with respect to the future of the two communities in the state. 

Also Read: Arunachal: Chakmas say Kiren Rijiju’s claims ‘incorrect, bogus’