Staff REPORTER
ITANAGAR, May 29: The State Government has decided to constitute four high-powered committees to examine key issues related to the indigenous identity and protection framework of Arunachal Pradesh.
In a social media post on Friday, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said formation of four high-powered committees has been agreed upon on Friday following discussions with Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum (AITF), community-based organisations (CBOs), All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU), Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee (ASTBAC), Govt officials and legal experts on the four key demands raised by the ASTBAC.
Khandu disclosed that the committees would examine and recommend measures on re-verification of Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificates, the non-APST offspring issue, strengthening of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) framework and review of ILP Guidelines 2026, and illegal infiltration.
The Chief Minister said each committee will be headed by a Cabinet minister-rank leader and will include representatives from AITF, AAPSU, ST Bachao Andolan Committee, legal experts, research scholars and women representatives to ensure a balanced, inclusive and action-oriented process.
Khandu said the official notification constituting the committees would be issued by Monday.
Officials said the formation of the committees reflected the government’s commitment to addressing sensitive indigenous identity-related issues through consultation, dialogue and institutional mechanisms.
The move comes in the wake of growing concerns raised by various indigenous organizations over the protection of tribal identity, regulation of non-local entry and preservation of the socio-cultural and demographic interests of the state.