ITANAGAR, 8 Aug: The Arunachal Frontier Tribal Front (AFTF) on Saturday set 15 August as the deadline for the state government to scrap the 80:20 recruitment ratio and make Scheduled Tribe (ST) and permanent resident (PR) certificates mandatory for recruitment examinations conducted by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB).
The AFTF organised a massive march - which it termed the "final mass referendum rally" - on Saturday from Akashdeep to IG Park here. It was joined by hundreds of people demanding immediate scrapping of the 80:20 ratio.
Later, addressing a rally at IG Park, AFTF chairman Tadak Nalo told the crowd that the gathering represented the collective decision of the people on the contentious recruitment policy.
Nalo said the issue has remained unresolved for years, and urged the government to take a final decision before Independence Day.
"If the government does it by 15 August, we will definitely welcome the gesture," he said, expressing hope that the government would make a positive announcement on Independence Day.
He, however, warned that the state government would be responsible for any developments arising after the deadline if the demands are not addressed.
Nalo claimed that more than 38 organisations participated in and extended support to the rally despite rain and temporary disruption of the sound system. He maintained that the demand was not that of any particular individual or organisation but concerned the rights and future of the state's youth.
Questioning the need for another committee to examine the issue, Nalo said making ST and PRcertificates mandatory for APPSC and APSSB examinations requires only a Cabinet decision.
He alleged that the matter has been repeatedly delayed over the years through committees and consultations, asserting that the movement was not directed against any individual or organisation but was a struggle for the rights and future of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
Responding to questions over the legal and technical feasibility of the demands, Nalo invoked Article 16(4) of the Constitution and claimed that the government could take a decision through an executive order. Drawing a parallel with Mahatma Gandhi's "do or die" call during the Quit India Movement, Nalo said 8 August would be remembered in Arunachal in connection with the campaign against the existing recruitment ratio.
He called upon people across the state to remain prepared for a wider agitation if the government fails to act by the deadline.
"The next phase will not be another march or dharna," Nalo said, adding that the proposed movement would extend beyond the state capital to different parts of Arunachal.
Nalo urged Chief Minister Pema Khandu to take up the matter in the Cabinet and issue an order either scrapping the 80:20 ratio or making ST and PRC mandatory for APPSC and APSSB recruitment examinations.
Citing reservation-related mechanisms in Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam, Meghalaya, and Sikkim, he rejected arguments that legal and procedural hurdles prevent the government from acting on the demands.
Describing repeated explanations and delays as an "eyewash," Nalo alleged that attempts are being made to "delay, derail, and divert" the issue.
He said the government could constitute any committee it wanted, but insisted that the matter must be resolved before 15 August.
"One Cabinet decision is enough," Nalo said, reiterating that ST and PRC should be made mandatory in APPSC and APSSB recruitment examinations before the deadline.
