ITANAGAR, Aug 28 - The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly on Thursday passed a government resolution to bring the Himalayan State under the ambit of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, besides amending Article 371(H) to safeguard the rights of the indigenous people of the State.
The resolution which was moved by Home Minister Bamang Felix, was passed by the House by voice vote following a marathon discussion.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu termed the resolution �the biggest step to safeguard the rights of the people of the State�. He said that the resolution, which is historic and pan-Arunachal, would have to be drafted well.
�We have to work hard as the journey is very tough. We have to keep our point and views in a proper way before the Government of India. The resolution that we are sending to the Centre is the aspiration of the people of the state,� Khandu said.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said, �People will remember us because the Pema Khandu Government and the members of the House are raising one voice that Arunachal Pradesh should be included under the Sixth Schedule.�
Earlier, while moving the resolution, the Home Minister said that other than the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, and the Chin Hill Regulation, 1896, there is no provision for protection of the indigenous rights of the State, adding that Article 371(H) does not guarantee protection of the State.
�This is a historic moment for all of us. It is time for all of us to rise together and raise the voice for protection of our land and people,� he added.
The resolution read: �This Legislative Assembly resolves that the state of Arunachal Pradesh be included in the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India to protect the tribal rights of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh.
�This Legislative Assembly further resolves that the special provision with respect to state of Arunachal Pradesh be further strengthened by amending Article 371(H) 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.�
