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A file image of AAPSU president, Meje Taku

Itanagar, July 11: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has voiced strong opposition to the state government's plan to convene a meeting regarding the potential inclusion of the Kachari community from Namsai and Changlang districts in the Scheduled Tribe, Sub-Tribe, Plains Tribe category during the Census.

The student organization has warned that it will escalate its protests if the meeting proceeds as planned.

Meje Taku, the president of AAPSU, emphasized that granting Scheduled Tribe status to non-indigenous communities would undermine the constitutional protections in place. He reiterated the union's firm stance on this matter.

A circular from the Social Justice and Empowerment and Tribal Affairs department indicated that the meeting is set for July 13, chaired by the chief secretary.

Invitations have been extended to representatives from the All Arunachal Pradesh Kachari Community Development Council, Sonowal Kachari Jatiya Parishad, and the All Arunachal Pradesh Sonowal Kachari Students' Union for this consultation.

President Taku highlighted that Arunachal Pradesh is entirely a tribal state, safeguarded by the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system established under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, which protects the land, resources, and political rights of its indigenous population.

The AAPSU also pointed out that the Sonowal Kachari community already holds Scheduled Tribe (Plains) status in Assam, questioning the necessity for additional recognition in Arunachal Pradesh.

Furthermore, the union warned that relaxing the criteria for Scheduled Tribe recognition could lead to similar demands from other communities with historical ties to the state, potentially disrupting its demographic and political equilibrium.

They cautioned that any such actions could threaten peace and social harmony within the state, holding the government accountable for any repercussions stemming from the proposed meeting.