ITANAGAR, 22 Jun: The Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) has recommended urgent infrastructure and flood-control measures in the Chakma and Hajong settlement areas in Changlang district, stating that the measures would ensure that the refugee communities and their descendants remain within their notified settlement areas.
The commission said preventing displacement due to floods would also address the longstanding demand of indigenous communities to confine Chakma and Hajong populations to their designated areas and stop their spread into other parts of the state, thereby safeguarding the demographic interests of the indigenous tribes of Arunachal.
In a communication addressed to the chief minister, APSHRC Acting Chairperson Bamang Tago highlighted findings from a field visit undertaken to Chakma and Hajong settlement areas in Diyun and Bordumsa circles of Changlang district on 12 and 13 June.
The commission identified poor road connectivity and recurring floods caused by the Dihing River as two critical issues requiring immediate government intervention.
The commission observed that road infrastructure in the Chakma-Hajong settlement areas remains severely underdeveloped despite the region’s growing economic significance.
It noted that the approximately 33 km stretch between Namsai and Diyun takes more than an hour to traverse because of poor road conditions, adversely affecting economic activities and regional connectivity.
According to the commission, improved connectivity would not only facilitate economic development in both Changlang and Namsai districts but also strengthen strategic and security interests, given the presence of the 2nd Arunachal Pradesh India Reserve Battalion headquarters in Diyun.
“Better roads would ensure efficient movement of security forces during emergencies and law-and-order situations,” the commission stated.
The APSHRC also noted the significant contribution of the region’s arecanut economy, citing claims that Diyun circle alone generates approximately Rs 50 crore worth of areca nut trade annually.
The commission observed that improved infrastructure could further enhance economic opportunities for all communities residing in the area.
More importantly, the commission drew attention to the recurring floods caused by the Dihing River, which annually erode cultivable land and destroy crops in Chakma and Hajong settlement areas.
According to the commission, such displacement has historically led to pressures for expansion beyond existing settlement areas.
In its recommendations, the commission urged the state government to expedite completion of ongoing road projects connecting Namsai-Diyun and Diyun-Miao, ensure comprehensive PMGSY coverage of settlement areas in Diyun and Bordumsa circles, and consider inclusion of these corridors under the proposed East-West Industrial Corridor for double-lane road development.
The commission further recommended that the state government take up flood-control measures in the Chakma-Hajong settlement areas, if necessary, with support from the North Eastern Council and the central government, specifically to ensure that the affected populations can remain within their designated settlement zones.
