The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has submitted a 13-point memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, seeking urgent constitutional, administrative and legislative interventions to safeguard the rights, identity, land and political future of the state’s indigenous communities. The memorandum also highlights concerns relating to indigenous rights, employment opportunities, border and demographic security, as well as youth and social welfare.

At the heart of the AAPSU’s demands is the need to protect the rights, land, identity and political future of Arunachal’s indigenous people. The union has called for strengthening Article 371(H) through a constitutional amendment, arguing that the state lacks the level of constitutional safeguards available to certain other Northeastern states.

The AAPSU has sought provisions similar to those enjoyed by Nagaland and Mizoram. Under Article 371A, Nagaland enjoys special constitutional protection over Naga religious and social practices, customary laws, administration of civil and criminal justice according to customary law, and ownership of land and its resources. Likewise, Article 371G protects Mizoram’s religious and social practices, customary laws, and matters relating to land ownership and transfer.

The students’ body has also reiterated its longstanding demand for the inclusion of Arunachal Pradesh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides special protections for tribal communities through autonomous administrative arrangements.

Demographic security and immigration concerns also feature prominently in the memorandum. The AAPSU has once again sought a permanent resolution to the Chakma-Hajong issue while ensuring that the demographic and political interests of indigenous communities remain protected. The union has further called for stricter enforcement of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and stronger measures to curb illegal immigration from Bangladesh and Myanmar.

These concerns are neither new nor insignificant. They touch upon issues that are central to the preservation of Arunachal’s unique cultural identity, demographic balance and political future. The state government, in coordination with the Centre, must examine these demands with the seriousness they deserve and work towards solutions that protect indigenous interests.