Moran community demands PRC, boycotts Arunachal Statehood Day in protest

The All Moran Students' Union (AMSU) and the public of Lekang Circle have announced a boycott of the 39th Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day, demanding the long-pending grant of Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC) for the Moran community. 

The protest, marked by a shutdown in Mahadevpur Town, Mahadevpur Chariali, and Dirak Gate, reflects the growing discontent among the Moran people over the lack of official recognition of their residency rights in the state.

According to AMSU leaders, the Moran tribe has been residing in Lekang Circle since time immemorial, long before Arunachal Pradesh was officially recognized as a state on February 20, 1987. However, despite their deep historical and cultural roots in the region, they have not been granted PRC, leading to their exclusion from fundamental rights and privileges that other communities in the state enjoy.

To emphasize their demand, AMSU has declared a peaceful demonstration and complete market shutdown in the protest-affected areas until 4:00 PM on February 20. The union has called upon the government to acknowledge the historical presence of the Moran community in Lekang and address their demand for permanent resident status without further delay.

"We have been residing here since before Arunachal Pradesh became a state, yet we are denied the basic right of permanent residency. This ongoing neglect has created a sense of alienation and injustice," said a representative from AMSU.

Also Read: CM Khandu reassures public on Arunachal Freedom of Religion Act amid growing protests

The issue of PRC for non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribes (Non-APSTs), including the Moran community, has remained a contentious subject in the state. 

While the Arunachal Pradesh government has yet to release an official statement regarding the ongoing protest, AMSU has reiterated that their agitation will continue until their demands are met.

The Moran Students' Union has urged the people of Lekang and other sympathetic communities to support their movement for justice and equality. "We are not against the celebration of Statehood Day, but we cannot celebrate when our fundamental rights are being ignored. We hope the government listens to our voice and takes immediate steps to resolve the issue," AMSU leaders stated.

As the 39th Statehood Day celebrations proceed across Arunachal Pradesh, the boycott and protest in Lekang serve as a strong message to the government about the grievances of the Moran community. Whether this demonstration will prompt any policy changes remains to be seen.