Violence Erupts in Arunachal Pradesh Amid Protests Against Chakma Inclusion in Voter Rolls

A protest in Bordumsa, located in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district, turned violent when student activists clashed with Chakma organizations over the inclusion of Chakma individuals in the special intensive revision of voter rolls. The protest, organized by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU), led to injuries, with one activist, Khoda Lazer, requiring hospitalization due to the confrontations that escalated into stone-pelting incidents.

The backdrop of this unrest lies in the historical context of the Chakma and Hajong communities, who were displaced from the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh following the construction of the Kaptai Dam in 1957. The Indian government’s decision to settle these communities in Arunachal Pradesh during the 1960s has sparked ongoing debates regarding their rights and status within the state.

On the day of the protest, tensions flared after a disruption during a claims and objections hearing at a polling station in Bordumsa, which was attended by members of the AAPSU. The union has raised concerns about the potential inclusion of fraudulent names in the electoral rolls, arguing that this action endangers the identity and rights of the indigenous communities in Arunachal Pradesh. The student groups firmly oppose the electoral inclusion of Chakmas who arrived in the state post-2006, claiming it would dilute the demographic integrity of the region.

In response to the violence, authorities have increased security presence in Bordumsa and surrounding areas to restore order and prevent further clashes. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to hold firmly to their positions regarding the electoral rights of Chakma individuals. As the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union and Chakma representatives prepare for further dialogue, the state’s political atmosphere is charged with the weight of historical grievances and contemporary aspirations.

This incident not only highlights the ongoing struggle over voter rights and identity in Arunachal Pradesh but also reflects the broader challenges faced by the state in managing its diverse communities.

Source: scroll.in