ITANAGAR, Aug 25: The state cabinet has decided to move a resolution in the coming Legislative Assembly for constitutional safeguard of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. This was informed by Home Minister Bamang Felix in a press conference held at Civil Secretariat here this evening. Home Minister Felix termed the cabinet decision as historic decision by Chief Minister Pema Khandu led government for the constitutional protection of tribal rights.
“ The cabinet decision on constitutional protection was based on the deliberation of Community Based Organisations during Consultative Meeting on the Constitutional Safeguard to the Indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh held on 19th August 2020” said Bamang Felix.
The home minister informed that all CBOs asked the government to Arunachal Pradesh should be brought under Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution.
Home Minister stated the people of Arunachal were living in misconception we are constitutionally protected under inner line permit, however the truth through the discussion we came to know through learned additional advocate general Kardak Ete that Arunachal Pradesh is not under Sixth Schedule.
“Even the article 371H, our state is called tribal state. Even we are not owner of our land and water. Considering this, the CBOs has recommended for single voice recommendation for constitutional protection of entire Arunachal Pradesh” he added.
Felix informed that CM Khandu government is first state government which had given a platform to have a broad-based discussion Constitutional Safeguard to the Indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh.
He also informed that the State Legislative Assembly would that the Special Provision with respect to State of Arunachal Pradesh be further strengthened by amending Article 371H by inserting provisions for protection of Religious or social practices of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, Customary law and procedure of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, Administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to customary law of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, and Ownership and transfer of land and its resources ”
Khandu led government faced unprecedented backlashes after Mon Autonomous Region Demand Committee(MARDC) submitted a representation to him renewing the demand of Mon autonomy recently. With the resolution of the cabinet, the home minister Felix informed there would be no selective autonomy demand rather the state Assembly would ask the centre for uniform constitutional protection for the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
