Proposed delimitation opposed in Changlang

Itanagar, Feb 8 (UNI) The delimitation of Assembly constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh on the basis of tribal population, reportedly proposed by the Delimitation Commission of India (DCI), has evoked wide protests in various parts of the state, especially in Changlang district.

To register their protest on the proposed delimitation process, which would reduce the number of Assembly seats from five to four on population criteria, over 1,000 people cutting across party lines conducted a rally yesterday covering the entire township of Jairampur.

Rallies were also organized at Changlang, Yatdam, Khimjung, Namtok, Manmao, Nampong, Miao, Kharsang, Bordumsa and Diyun.

A meeting of all panchayat leaders, including members of zila parishad, anchal samiti, gram panchayat, Legislators, held at Changlang on February 3 last had unanimously decided to organise the rallies throughout the district and mass signature campaign to be submitted to the DCI chairman.

Changlang District Delimitation Advisory Committee (CDDAC) chairman Thinghap Taiju, in a release, said with over 1,26,000 people Changlang located along the Myanmar border is not only the highest populated district in the state but also a sensitive and disturbed area.

If the number of the constituency is reduced from the existing five to four on the basis of the proposed ST population criteria, the representation in the state Assembly would be the lowest, depriving the people not only of their political rights but also would affect their socio-economic growth.

''India is a multi-racial country and any delimitation on racial basis may lead to chaos, disharmony and national disunity. Thus, by delimiting Arunachal Pradesh on the basis of ST population, an example should not be set for creating unhealthy atmosphere in the country,'' the release added.

UNI