Arunachal Pradesh government to approach SC on Chakma, Hajong settlers issue

ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to file a review petition in the Supreme Court against permanent settlement of Chakmas and Hajongs refugees in the state.

The state cabinet also expressed concern on Chakmas and Hajongs, settled in the state, of being exempted from the purview of Inner Line Permit regulations, government spokesman Bamang Felix said in a statement here.

After a discussion on the refugee issue in the backdrop of the Supreme Court order of September 17 last, the cabinet gave a go-ahead to opt for legal options to resist any step in granting permanent settlement to the Chakmas and Hajongs in the state.

The Advocate General and legal experts have been directed to pursue the matter immediately with the apex court, the release said.

The cabinet resolved to appeal to the Centre to extend support to the cause of the state in interest and welfare of the indigenous communities of the state.

An all-party meet on Monday, attended by representatives of Congress, BJP, NCP and Peoples' Party of Arunachal (PPA), had authorised the state government to take up the matter of permanent settlement of Chakmas and Hajongs in the state with the Supreme Court.