Guwahati: Intensifying its campaign against the alleged issuance of fake Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates to non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (non-APST) individuals, the Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee (ASBAC) on Monday demanded that such certificates be immediately cancelled.
The committee also called on the state government to undertake a comprehensive reverification of all ST certificates issued across Arunachal Pradesh to safeguard the rights and identity of the indigenous tribal population.
Addressing reporters at the Arunachal Press Club, ASBAC chairman Sol Dodum said the organisation has repeatedly raised concerns over what it describes as the inclusion of non-APST individuals in the ST category within the state.
According to Dodum, such practices undermine the constitutional safeguards and benefits that are meant exclusively for the indigenous tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh.
He urged the state government and the concerned authorities to immediately review and revoke ST status granted to individuals who do not belong to the recognised indigenous tribes of the state.
Dodum emphasised that preserving the integrity of the ST category is essential to ensure that opportunities, protections and welfare measures meant for indigenous communities are not misused.
The ASBAC chairman further claimed that several cases involving the alleged issuance of fake ST certificates have come to light. In particular, he alleged that instances of Tibetan refugees obtaining such certificates have been detected in Tawang district.
He also linked the issue to broader geopolitical concerns, claiming that such developments contribute to China’s assertion that Arunachal Pradesh is part of “South Tibet”.
Alongside demanding the cancellation of such certificates, the committee has also advocated the introduction of stricter legal provisions to prevent the issuance of ST certificates to non-tribals.
Furthermore, ASBAC proposed a statewide reverification of all existing ST certificates to ensure authenticity. It also stressed the need to digitalise the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to improve monitoring of outsiders entering the state.
The committee placed several additional demands, including the establishment of an interstate mandi to regulate the movement of goods and the permission to hold weekly markets for at least three days a week in order to support local farmers and traders.
Meanwhile, the ASBAC had earlier sought permission from the deputy commissioner of the Itanagar Capital Region to organise a peaceful rally on March 17. However, the district administration reportedly denied the request citing various reasons.
Terming the decision “futile,” the committee indicated that it may still proceed with the programme if necessary.
Dodum reiterated that the organisation would continue to pursue the issue through democratic means until concrete action is taken to protect the rights and interests of Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous tribal communities.