Arunachal rights panel seeks flood-control measures in Chakma-Hajong areas

Guwahati: The Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) has recommended urgent infrastructure and flood-control interventions in the Chakma and Hajong settlement areas under Changlang district, emphasising that such measures are essential to ensure that the migrant populations and their descendants remain within their designated settlement areas and do not migrate beyond, thereby safeguarding the demographic interests of the indigenous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.

In a communication addressed to the Chief Minister, APSHRC Acting Chairperson Bamang Tago highlighted findings from a field visit undertaken to Chakma and Hajong settlement areas in Diyun and Bordumsa circles of Changlang district on June 12 and 13. The Commission identified two critical issues requiring immediate government intervention - poor road connectivity and recurring floods caused by the Dihing River.

The Commission observed that road infrastructure in the Chakma-Hajong settlement areas remains severely underdeveloped despite the region's growing economic significance. It noted that the approximately 33-kilometre stretch between Namsai and Diyun takes more than an hour to travel because of poor road conditions, adversely affecting economic activities and regional connectivity.


According to the Commission, improved connectivity would not only facilitate economic development in both Changlang and Namsai districts but also strengthen strategic and security interests, given the presence of the 2nd Arunachal Pradesh India Reserve Battalion headquarters at Diyun. Better roads would ensure efficient movement of security forces during emergencies and law-and-order situations.

The APSHRC also noted the significant contribution of the region's areca nut economy, citing claims that Diyun Circle alone generates approximately Rs 50 crore worth of areca nut trade annually. The Commission observed that improved infrastructure could further enhance economic opportunities for all communities residing in the area.

More importantly, the Commission drew attention to the recurring floods caused by the Dihing River, which annually erode cultivable land and destroy crops in Chakma and Hajong settlement areas. According to the Commission, such displacement has historically led to pressures for expansion beyond existing settlement areas.

The APSHRC stated that effective flood-control measures in Changlang and Namsai districts, with particular focus on Chakma and Hajong settlements, would help ensure that the refugee communities are able to continue residing within their notified settlement areas. The Commission observed that preventing displacement due to floods would also serve the long-standing demand of indigenous communities that Chakma and Hajong populations should remain confined to their designated areas and not spread into other parts of the State.

The Commission urged the State Government to expedite completion of ongoing road projects connecting Namsai-Diyun and Diyun-Miao, ensure comprehensive PMGSY coverage of settlement areas in Diyun and Bordumsa circles, and consider inclusion of these corridors under the proposed East-West Industrial Corridor for double-lane road development.

The Commission further recommended that the State Government take up flood-control measures in the Chakma-Hajong settlement areas, if necessary, with support from the Northeastern Council and the Government of India, specifically to ensure that the affected populations can remain within their designated settlement zones.

The recommendations assume significance amid ongoing discussions on demographic protection, indigenous rights and regulation of settlement patterns in Arunachal Pradesh. The Commission's observations underscore the need for a balanced approach that simultaneously addresses humanitarian concerns, developmental requirements and the legitimate demographic and cultural interests of the indigenous tribes of the State.