Chakmas-Hajongs relocation from Arunachal to Assam: Rijiju retracts from earlier remark

GUWAHATI: Amidst a swirling controversy in Assam following his remarks on proposed relocation of Chakma and Hajong refugees from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam, union minister Kiren Rijiju seems to have retracted from his claims.

"My statement has been misconstrued," said union minister Kiren Rijiju.

Earlier, it was reported that union minister and senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju had claimed that he urged Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to relocate Chakma refugees from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam.

Following his statement on proposed relocation of Chakma and Hajong refugees from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam, a major controversy erupted in Assam, which sparked heated debates and raised concerns among various stakeholders in Assam.

However, Rijiju, who serves as the union minister of law and justice, has categorically denied these claims.

In a statement issued recently, he clarified that he never made any such request to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding proposed relocation of Chakma and Hajong refugees from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam.

"There is an effort to sow confusion during the elections and damage the reputation of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma," said Rijiju.

He added: "Regardless, it should be noted that the Chakmas and Hajongs do not receive permanent citizenship in Arunachal Pradesh. Nevertheless, I will continue to petition the court for a provision to relocate the Chakma Hajong community to another suitable location. I had previously requested Himanta Biswa Sarma to assist us in this matter."

The clarification from Rijiju comes in the wake of mounting pressure and demands for clarification from various quarters in Assam.

It may be mentioned here that opposition parties in Assam are up in arms against the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in the state over the proposed relocation of Chakma and Hajong refugees from Arunachal Pradesh to neighbouring Assam.

WHY CHAKMAS-HAJONGS MIGHT GET RESETTLED IN ASSAM?

Chakmas, predominantly Buddhists, migrated to Arunachal Pradesh in the 1960s from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) due to reported religious persecution.

The settlement of these communities in Arunachal Pradesh has been a contentious issue, often sparking controversy.

Rijiju stated that these communities are ineligible to receive Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC) in Arunachal Pradesh and therefore will be relocated elsewhere in India.

This decision aligns with Arunachal Pradesh’s status as a state protected for tribal populations.

However, the potential consequence of this additional population may now fall on Assam.

Kiren Rijiju revealed that he is engaging in discussions with Assam and has been actively addressing this issue.

Under the citizenship amendment act (CAA), non-Muslim communities persecuted for their religion in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan are eligible for Indian citizenship.

However, Arunachal Pradesh, being a tribal state, is exempted from the purview of CAA.

“We have initiated talks with the Assam chief minister regarding the resettlement of the Chakmas in Assam,” Rijiju stated recently.

He further mentioned that efforts have been underway discreetly to identify a suitable location for resettling these communities in Assam.

It is noteworthy that in 1996, the Supreme Court directed Arunachal Pradesh to grant citizenship to the Chakma-Hajong community, but they declined to comply with the directive.

ASSAM OPPOSITION PARTIES SLAM BJP-GOVT IN ASSAM

Meanwhile, Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) leader and Dibrugarh Lok Sabha candidate, Lurinjyoti Gogoi, emphasised that union minister Kiren Rijiju’s recent statement is an evidence that the Chakma community is considering Assam for citizenship under the citizenship amendment act (CAA), following Arunachal government’s denial of the same to the community.

Gogoi highlighted the “detrimental impact” of CAA on indigenous rights, attributing it to both Assam and central government orchestration.

On the other hand, Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah claimed that Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma is “engaged in a dangerous conspiracy against the state”.

“Union minister Kiren Rijiju has clearly stated that Arunachal Pradesh won’t accept any refugees from neighbouring countries,” said Borah.

He added: “But Assam CM like an obedient subordinate, has agreed to Amit Shah’s order to settle five lakh Hajong-Chakma refugees in Assam.”