| Staff REPORTER |
Itanagar, Jun 9: District students’ unions across Arunachal Pradesh, under the aegis of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), on Monday held widespread protest rallies against the continued presence of Chakma and Hajong refugees, intensifying the call for action.
Organized under the theme “Save Arunachal from Illegal Immigrants”, the protests were based on a four-point demands: immediate re-verification and cleansing of the state's electoral roll, Cabinet approval for the removal of non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (non-APST) voters, deportation of all illegal immigrants from the state, and stronger measures to protect the indigenous identity of Arunachal Pradesh.
Protesters marched through the streets in several districts, holding banners and raising slogans urging the state government to take swift and decisive action on the issues raised. The demonstrations witnessed participation from a large number of students and youth representatives.
At Yupia, the headquarters of Papum Pare district, AAPSU vice president Nabam Gandhi reiterated the union’s long-standing commitment to defending the rights and identity of the indigenous tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh.
“The time has come for the government to act decisively. These issues have lingered for decades, threatening the very fabric of our indigenous culture and identity,” he said.
AAPSU warned that if the demands are not addressed within a reasonable timeframe, the movement will be further intensified in the coming days.