ASDC apprehensive over relocation of Chakma-Hajong refuges to Assam

DIPHU — The Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) has expressed apprehension over the relocation of the Chakma-Hajong refuges of Arunachal Pradesh in Assam, saying that could affect the demography of Karbi Anglong.

ASDC general secretary Jotson Bey, who is also the party candidate for the 6 – Diphu (ST) Parliamentary Constituency, for which election was conducted recently, said that Union minister Kiran Rijiju had, on April 16, revealed about the discussion with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for relocating of Chakma-Hajong refugees in Assam, at the Union Home Ministry level.

‘Before the Parliamentary election, the ASDC had met the Assam CM and discussed deportation of illegal settlers. Not to speak of giving space for settlement of new people from outside, the existing illegal settlers should be evicted from the Sixth Schedule district of Karbi Anglong as it is reserved for scheduled tribe’s people,’ Bey said while expressing apprehension of repercussions if 5 lakh refugees are given shelter in the state.

The ASDC, KSA and Karbi Nimso Chingthur Asong (KNCA) are opposed to the settlement of Chakma-Hajong refugees in Assam, he added.

When asked about the possible impact on the demography of Karbi Anglong, Bey said if the Chakma-Hajong refugees are allowed to settle in Assam, they will surely come to Karbi Anglong.

On the already existing Chakma population in Borlangpher area, he said those coming to Karbi Anglong after 1951 are not counted as indigenous settlers; they have to be deported.