Autonomous region demand continues despite opposition

Itanagar, Nov 4 (UNI) Notwithstanding All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union's (AAPSU) stiff opposition to the demand of autonomous regions, the demand seekers are upbeat with the way their demand is being reciprocated by the state and central governments.

AAPSU resorted to a mass protest here yesterday disapproving demands for creating autonomous district councils comprising Tawang and West Kameng districts (Mon Autonomous Region) and Tirap and Changlang districts (Patkai Autonomous Region).

The Mon Autonomous Region Demand Committee (MARDC) and Patkai Autonomous Region Demand Committee (PARDC) headed by MLA T G Rimpoche and Speaker Setong Sena respectively, had been spearheading the movement to gain autonomy for four districts of the state.

AAPSU while declaring its stand against the movement alleged that the demand for autonomous councils was to divide the state by some politicians with vested interests sans any legitimate reasons.

Reacting to AAPSU's mass rally, spokesperson of the Patkai Autonomous District Council, Wanglin Lowangdong said demand for the two district autonomous councils had been accepted by the state government. It was unanimously passed by the state legislature on two occasions.

He further said that the demand is for autonomy within the state under the sixth schedule adding that creation of district autonomous councils would in no way create any division or disintegration among the people.

The spokesperson further elucidated saying if the demand for grant of autonomous district councils is approved by the centre, the steady flow of funds from the central government would greatly supplement the meager state government funding.

Lowangdong also suggested that people of other districts in the state should support the demand adding that more districts could be included in the district councils at a later stage if they so desire for progress, prosperity and cohesive development of the state.

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