Itanagar, Jun 22: The Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) has recommended urgent improvement of road connectivity and implementation of flood-control measures in Chakma and Hajong refugee settlement areas of Changlang district.
The state rights panel, in a letter to Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday, stated that such interventions are necessary to ensure that the communities remain within their designated settlement zones while safeguarding the demographic interests of the state's indigenous tribes.
APSHRC Acting Chairperson Bamang Tago, in the letter, highlighted the findings of a field visit to Chakma and Hajong settlements in Diyun and Bordumsa circles of the district on June 12 and 13.
The Commission identified poor road infrastructure and recurring floods caused by the Dihing River as the two major challenges requiring immediate government attention.
It observed that despite the region's growing economic importance, road connectivity in the settlement areas remains inadequate.
The Commission said the nearly 33-km stretch between Namsai and Diyun takes more than an hour to cover due to poor road conditions, affecting trade, movement and overall development in the area.
According to the APSHRC, improved roads would not only boost economic activities in Changlang and Namsai districts but also strengthen strategic and security preparedness, considering the presence of the headquarters of the 2nd India Reserve Battalion at Diyun.
Better connectivity would facilitate quicker movement of security personnel during emergencies and law-and-order situations, the letter said.
The Commission also pointed to the region's thriving areca nut economy, noting claims that Diyun Circle alone accounts for an annual trade of around Rs 50 crore. It said enhanced infrastructure could further expand economic opportunities for all communities living in the area.
Expressing concern over recurring floods, the APSHRC said annual inundation and erosion caused by the Dihing River continue to damage agricultural land and crops in Chakma and Hajong settlement areas.
The Commission observed that such displacement has historically created pressure for expansion beyond existing settlement zones.
It maintained that effective flood-control measures in Changlang and Namsai districts, particularly in Chakma and Hajong settlements, would help ensure that the refugee communities continue to reside within their notified areas.
Preventing displacement due to floods, it added, would also address the long-standing concerns of indigenous communities regarding the spread of Chakma and Hajong populations into other parts of the state.
The Commission urged the state government to expedite ongoing road projects connecting Namsai-Diyun and Diyun-Miao, ensure comprehensive PMGSY coverage in settlement areas of Diyun and Bordumsa, and consider including these routes under the proposed East-West Industrial Corridor for double-lane road development.
APSHRC further recommended that flood-control works be undertaken in the settlement areas with support, if required, from the North Eastern Council and the Centre to ensure that affected populations can continue living within their designated settlement zones.
The recommendations came at a time when issues relating to demographic protection, indigenous rights and settlement regulation continued to be a matter of debate in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Commission said a balanced approach is needed to address humanitarian concerns and developmental needs while protecting the demographic and cultural interests of the indigenous communities of the state. (PTI)