AAPSU revives refugee issue, holds talk with Tibetan representative

Itanagar, Feb 3 (UNI) The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) today renewed its struggle against the protracted refugee issue and made it clear that it would not tolerate any refugee in the state enjoying the benefits provided to the tribal population.

Addressing a news conference here, AAPSU president Kanu Bagang said that a seven-member delegation of the union called on 'Prime Minister' of Tibetan government-in-exile Samdhong Rimpoche in New Delhi on January 30 and discussed with him the issues arising out of the settlement of Tibetan refugees in the state.

''During the course of discussion Mr Rimpoche made his stand clear and assured us to help the union as well as the state in deporting the refugees after the Tibet issue is resolved properly,'' Mr Bagang said adding, that he had also agreed in principal to visit Arunachal Pradesh shortly to assess the number of refugees settling in the state.

The AAPSU delegates had requested the Tibetan leader to cooperate with the union in its efforts to determine the total number of Tibetan refugees residing in the state, exact number of camps, extent of socio-economic and political impact of their presence on the state, extent of settlement of refugees away from their camps, number of scheduled tribe certificates issued to them and quantum of land allotment to the settlers.

''The response of Mr Rimpoche was positive and he suggested the facts be given to him shortly'', Mr Bagang disclosed and claimed that this was the first time they had hold high-level talks with Tibetan representatives.

Around 30,000 Tibetan refugees are residing in the state in various camps located at West Kameng, Tawang, Upper Siang, West Siang, Lohit and Changlang districts.

Expressing concern over the increasing number of Chakma and Hajong refugees in the state, Mr Bagang commented that their presence had threatened the existence of the tribal people.

''These refugees numbering around two lakh had already encroached Namdapha National Park, threatening its fragility and indulged in anti-social activities through 'Shanti Bahini', a militant organization formed among them,'' Mr Bagang claimed and added that the union would submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit to the state for an expeditous settlement of the issue.

Expressing dismay over Asom's claim on Arunachal's land, the AAPSU president urged the neighbouring state government not to resort to forceful encroachment and to honour the verdict of the boundary commission to resolve the issue.

He also appreciated the state chief secretary for his assurance to reduce the cost of gun licences to Rs 100, which was increased recently from Rs 50 to 500. He also appealed to the Arunachal Teachers Association (ATA) to withdraw its proposed examination boycott call in the greater interest of the students.

UNI