ITANAGAR, 5 Sep: The Arunachal Indigenous Tribes' Forum (AITF) vehemently condemned the attack on leaders of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) by Chakmas and Hajongs in the Bordumsa-Diyum area of Changlang district during a special intensive revision (SIR) hearing on 4 September, and demanded an inquiry into the incident.

Describing the incident as a blatant attempt to "marginalise" the indigenous people of the state, the AITF said any such move poses a serious threat to the demographic, constitutional and political interests of the indigenous population and the future of the state.

The forum said its executive body held a virtual meeting on Friday night and registered its strong protest against any attempt to enrol refugees or ineligible persons in the electoral rolls of Arunachal Pradesh.

"The SIR must be carried out strictly in accordance with the Constitution, applicable laws and the eligibility criteria prescribed under the relevant rules," the forum said in a press statement.

It urged the authorities concerned to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry into the incident and take appropriate action against those found responsible and ensure the safety of all representatives and stakeholders participating in the SIR hearing process.

The All Nyishi Students' Union (ANSU) also on Saturday strongly condemned the reported attack on an AAPSU team at the additional deputy commissioner's office in Bordumsa, Changlang district, on 4 September.

The ANSU said that any act of violence against student activists and indigenous people is highly condemnable and unacceptable. The union noted with deep concern that an activist injured in the incident is a primary member of the ANSU and was discharging duties in the larger interest of the state and its people.

Making its position categorical, the ANSU said an attack on any of its primary members while serving the cause of the state and the indigenous people would not be tolerated. The union reiterated that it has always stood at the forefront of protecting the land, identity, rights and interests of the indigenous people of Arunachal and would continue to do so with determination.

Warning that continued violence against indigenous people or ANSU members would compel the organisation to intensify its democratic movement through all lawful means, the ANSU said its history is testimony to its resolve whenever the interests, rights and security of indigenous people are at stake.

The union also cautioned the leadership of the refugee community to understand and respect the sentiments of the indigenous people of Arunachal. No individual or group, it said, should engage in activities that provoke tensions, undermine peaceful coexistence or aggravate an already sensitive situation.

The ANSU demanded a fair, impartial and time-bound investigation into the incident. Every person found involved in the attack must be identified and prosecuted strictly in accordance with law, it said. "If the investigation establishes that any individual or leader organised, instigated, encouraged or led the mob in the commission of violence, appropriate legal action must be initiated against such persons without delay," the union added.

The ANSU said it would closely follow the investigation and expects the authorities to ensure that justice is delivered without fear, favour or discrimination.

The ANSU further called upon the Government of India and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to take decisive and concrete steps towards resolving the long-pending Chakma-Hajong refugee issue once and for all, while safeguarding the constitutional, legal and legitimate interests of the indigenous people of Arunachal.

"The recurring tensions surrounding the issue cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely. A permanent, lawful and just solution is urgently required in the larger interest of peace, security and the future of the indigenous people," the statement said.

The ANSU said it would remain vigilant and would not remain a silent spectator to any attack on its members or the indigenous people. "Any further provocation or violence," it warned, "will invite a strong, organised and democratic response through all lawful means."

Meanwhile, the Tangsa Mung Welfare Society (TMWS), an apex community-based organisation of the Tangsa community, has also strongly condemned the alleged attack on members of the AAPSU and All Changlang District Students' Union during the SIR exercise in Bordumsa in Changlang district.

In a press release, the TMWS said it has learnt from "reliable sources" that some AAPSU members, along with members of the All Changlang District Students' Union, who were on AAPSU duty in the Bordumsa-Diyun area, were allegedly attacked by miscreants during the claims and objections hearing process at the office of the Bordumsa additional deputy commissioner.

The welfare society condemned what it described as a "heinous attack" on the student activists, allegedly by miscreants belonging to the Chakma-Hajong community.

"An attack on student members who are working selflessly for the future of our indigenous people is an attack on the entire indigenous community of Arunachal Pradesh," the TMWS said, while calling for strict action against those responsible.

The TMWS expressed solidarity with the AAPSU and endorsed the stand taken by the students' body and other indigenous local community members of the Bordumsa-Diyun area. It demanded that the district administration and the Changlang police immediately arrest the alleged perpetrators and book them under relevant provisions of law.

The society also called for adequate security for AAPSU members engaged in SIR duties, as well as for indigenous activists in the Bordumsa-Diyun area.

On the SIR exercise, the TMWS appealed to the state government and the Election Commission of India to ensure that the revision process remains "free, fair and transparent," and that no bogus or ineligible names are included in the electoral rolls.

The society further appealed to indigenous communities across Changlang and Arunachal to remain united and maintain peace, while extending support to the AAPSU team.

It also urged people not to fall prey to provocation, and expressed hope for speedy recovery of the injured AAPSU members.