ITANAGAR, June 19 - An all-party meeting convened here today by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on the Chakma-Hajong issue unanimously resolved to exhaust all legal means to defend and protect the interests of the indigenous tribes in the State in the matter decided by the Supreme Court in respect of grant of citizenship to Chakmas and Hajongs.
The all-party meeting was held following the call from the State�s apex student body, All Arunachal Pradesh Students� Union, which has been spearheading the movement against refugees since decades fearing that if Chakmas and Hajongs are granted citizenship and settled in the State, the indigenous tribal communities would be reduced to a minority.
The meet unanimously decided to move the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to revive the Joint High Powered Committee to study the refugee issue. Further, the house unanimously supported the steps initiated by the State Government and pinned hope for a positive and lasting solution to the vexed issue, according to a press note from CMO here.
Representatives from BJP, INC, PPA, Trinamool Congress, NCP and Aam Aadmi Party and AAPSU participated and shared their views on the topic in the marathon meeting that stretched to six hours.
The CM was joined by his Cabinet colleagues, Advocate General, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Political), Secretary (Political) and IGPs during the meeting. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju also attended the all-party meeting.
Meanwhile, the AAPSU has criticised Congress MPs Ninong Ering (Lok Sabha) and Mukut Mithi (Rajya Sabha) for skipping the meeting.
