By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) on Tuesday approached Chief Minister Pema Khandu with a 13-point memorandum seeking action on a range of issues concerning indigenous communities.
The proposals cover matters such as constitutional safeguards, employment, education, border security, social welfare and indigenous rights.
AAPSU president Meje Taku and general secretary Mato Bui led the delegation that met the chief minister.
The union said the proposals were intended to address long-standing concerns while strengthening protections available to indigenous communities in the state.
Speaking at a press conference held later at the Arunachal Press Club, Taku said the memorandum focused on matters affecting students, youths, women and indigenous people, many of which have remained unresolved for years.
One of the major issues raised by the union relates to government recruitment. AAPSU has demanded the removal of the existing 80:20 recruitment formula used in examinations conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB).
According to the union, vacancies reserved for Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) candidates should not be reduced through administrative mechanisms.
The organisation also sought stricter scrutiny of Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) and APST certificates during recruitment exercises.
It urged authorities to take strong action against anyone found using fraudulent documents to secure government jobs.
On constitutional matters, AAPSU proposed changes to the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1997. The union wants PRC and APST certificates to be made compulsory for candidates contesting panchayat elections.
It also called for stronger constitutional protection under Article 371(H) and sought safeguards comparable to those available in Nagaland and Mizoram.
Another key demand is the inclusion of Arunachal Pradesh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The memorandum also revisited the Chakma-Hajong issue. AAPSU called for a permanent solution that protects the demographic balance, land rights and political interests of indigenous communities.
Taku said the matter would soon be taken up with the Union Home Ministry. Border-related concerns featured prominently in the document.
The union urged authorities to complete the remaining Arunachal Pradesh-Assam boundary demarcation work and suggested the construction of a dedicated road along the state’s southern boundary to improve connectivity and strengthen territorial security.
Expressing concern over illegal migration, AAPSU demanded tighter enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, regular verification exercises and better coordination between state and central agencies to monitor the movement of foreigners.
The student body also requested the state government to raise with the Ministry of External Affairs the issue of stapled visas reportedly issued to Arunachal Pradesh residents by certain foreign countries.
In addition, it advocated a separate anti-racism law at the national level to address discrimination faced by people from the region. Several recommendations were made in the areas of education and youth development.
These included a single-window system for scholarship disbursal, effective implementation of the Chief Minister’s Research Fellowship for APST scholars, simplified procedures for entrepreneurship schemes such as DDUSY and MEGP, and the establishment of permanent CUET examination centres in Itanagar, Naharlagun and Pasighat.
AAPSU also proposed a special startup support package for indigenous youth and sought the creation of an officially recognised venue in Itanagar where democratic protests can be held.
For women from economically weaker sections, the union demanded immediate opening of the Capital Region Working Women’s Hostel. It also called for improved access to safe drinking water and affordable accommodation facilities.
Taku described the points raised in the memorandum as pending commitments and policy issues rather than fresh demands. He said the union expects a clear and time-bound response from the government.
According to him, Chief Minister Pema Khandu acknowledged the concerns presented by the delegation and assured them that the proposals would be reviewed.
The AAPSU leader, however, cautioned that the union would intensify its democratic movement if there was no meaningful progress on the issues raised. He added that a statewide lockdown could be considered as part of future protests if required.