Arunachalee Students' body demands BJP to withdraw party tickets given to non-indigenous candidates

ITANAGAR: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union has condemned the BJP-led state government for giving party tickets to non-indigenous candidates for the upcoming panchayati raj election.

The student body has cautioned the political parties to "stop playing with the sentiments of Arunachalees."

Hawa Bagang, the President of the students' body, issuing a warning to the Pema Khandu-led State Government, stated that the union would launch a statewide agitation if the party tickets given to the non-indigenous persons are not withdrawn immediately.

“AAPSU is committed to go to any extent for protection of indigenous rights", Bagang stated, adding that the AAPSU would target the State Government's machineries.

"AAPSU would target state government machineries,” he warned, while urging the BJP to withdraw the party tickets.

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“BJP made a blunder. If they need peace, they should withdraw party tickets given to non-indigenous" he has been quoted as saying.

He said the BJP was undermining the scheduled tribe status of the people of Arunachal with regard to the panchayati raj institution by giving party tickets to non-indigenous candidates.

“On what basis has the BJP given party tickets to non-indigenous people, whereas in panchayat election, even for nomination, one needs scheduled tribe certificate ?” Bagang said.

“You cannot undermine the indigenous people’s rights which are guaranteed in the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1997, and also in Daying Ering committee recommendations, for your political benefits,” he added.

“AAPSU will never compromise with the political parties whoever issued party tickets to non-indigenous candidates,” stated AAPSU vice president (protocol) Meje Taku.

Meanwhile, Food & Civil Supplies Minister Kamlung Mossang on Sunday clarified that the tradition of giving party tickets to the Gorkha community in Vijoynagar started since 1976 and that the community has been actively participating in the panchayati raj elections since then.

"In 1976, Lalbil Gurung, an ex-serviceman, was elected from Majgaon as anchal samiti member representing the Gorkha community, and from Gandhigram, Apusimi Yobin was elected,” Mossang said.

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