AAPSU calls for protection of indigenous rights, demands reforms in recruitment and governance

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has submitted a comprehensive 13-point memorandum to the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, seeking a range of policy, legal and constitutional measures aimed at protecting indigenous rights, strengthening tribal safeguards, addressing unemployment and securing the socio-political interests of the state's indigenous communities.

Describing itself as the collective voice of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh, the union stated that the issues raised in the memorandum concern matters of identity, land ownership, livelihood, constitutional protection and long-term socio-economic security.

One of the principal demands relates to the abolition of the existing 80:20 recruitment ratio in state government employment, under which 80 per cent of posts are reserved for Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) candidates while the remaining 20 per cent are open to non-APST applicants. AAPSU argued that the policy, introduced in 1990, no longer reflects the present realities of the state and requires revision to ensure stronger protection of indigenous interests.

The union also sought mandatory submission of Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC) and APST certificates in all competitive recruitment examinations. It further called for amendments to recruitment rules to address loopholes and prevent misuse through fraudulent documentation.

In the political sphere, AAPSU urged the government to amend the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1997, to make PRC and APST certificates mandatory qualifications for candidates contesting Panchayati Raj Institution elections. The demand follows the election of a non-APST candidate from Vijaynagar in Changlang district during the 2025 Panchayat elections, which the union described as a legislative gap affecting indigenous representation at the grassroots level.

AAPSU also reiterated its demand for the re-amendment of Article 371(H) of the Constitution. According to the union, the provision does not offer the same degree of protection over customary laws, land ownership and natural resources as constitutional safeguards available to certain other tribal-majority states. The organisation sought stronger constitutional mechanisms to protect indigenous rights and resources.

On the long-standing Chakma-Hajong issue, the students' body urged the state government to pursue a permanent and honourable resettlement arrangement outside Arunachal Pradesh while ensuring that no additional land is allocated to non-indigenous settlers within the state.

The memorandum also addressed the Arunachal Pradesh-Assam boundary dispute. While welcoming progress achieved through the Namsai Declaration and subsequent agreements, AAPSU noted that 52 disputed villages remain unresolved. It additionally proposed the construction of a dedicated Corridor Road along the inter-state boundary to improve connectivity, strengthen territorial security and prevent future encroachments.

Expressing concern over the continued issuance of stapled visas to residents of Arunachal Pradesh by certain foreign authorities, the union described the practice as detrimental to India's sovereignty. It also called for stricter implementation of the Inner Line Permit system and greater coordination between state and central agencies to curb illegal immigration and prevent demographic changes affecting indigenous communities.

At the national level, AAPSU demanded the enactment of a dedicated anti-racism law to address incidents of racial discrimination faced by people from the Northeast in various parts of the country. The union sought stronger legal provisions against racial abuse and violence, the establishment of a national monitoring mechanism and greater inclusion of Northeast India's history and culture in educational curricula.

To address unemployment, AAPSU proposed a dedicated startup support package for indigenous youth, including collateral-free funding, mentorship and market access. It also recommended the creation of a Chief Minister's Research Fellowship for APST doctoral scholars pursuing higher studies in institutions within the state.

The union further demanded the establishment of permanent Common University Entrance Test (CUET) examination centres in Itanagar, Naharlagun and Pasighat to reduce logistical challenges faced by students appearing for national-level entrance examinations.

Among its civic demands, AAPSU called for the designation of a government-recognised democratic protest ground in the Itanagar Capital Region to facilitate peaceful public demonstrations and ensure the exercise of constitutional rights.

The memorandum also sought the establishment of a government-run Working Women's Hostel in the Itanagar Capital Region to provide safe and affordable accommodation for women from remote districts pursuing employment, education and skill development opportunities.

AAPSU urged the state government to take time-bound and accountable action on the demands, stating that they represent the collective aspirations and concerns of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh. The union further indicated that it may consider democratic forms of agitation if the issues remain unresolved.