Itanagar: The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee (ASBAC) has called for the cancellation of all existing Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificates and their re-issuance free of cost after a stringent verification process to identify fraudulent holders.
Speaking to reporters at the Arunachal Press Club here on Thursday, ASBAC chairman Taw Paul said the move is necessary to safeguard the rights and privileges of the indigenous tribal communities of the state, which are being allegedly misused by non-APST individuals.
“The issue of ST certificates being fraudulently obtained by non-tribals is a major concern. We believe that proper regulation and legislation are needed to uphold the constitutional protections meant for APSTs,” Paul said.
The committee submitted a memorandum to the state government with eight key demands, including the introduction of a mandatory declaration in the ST certificate application form. The declaration would require applicants to affirm their tribal identity and consent to any verification mechanism, including DNA testing if necessary. Those found guilty of submitting forged claims should face legal consequences, Paul asserted.
“A genuine tribal person will have no hesitation in proving their identity and should be willing to go to any extent to establish it,” he added.
ASBAC also called for the digitalization of ST certificates and Inner Line Permits (ILPs), saying this would help eliminate duplication and allow real-time tracking of non-tribal entrants into the state.
“There is no systematic regulation of ILPs. Many non-APST individuals acquire temporary ILPs and overstay illegally, making it difficult for authorities to track them. Digital systems can monitor validity and raise alerts,” Paul said.
In a bid to tighten regulatory oversight, the organisation also demanded the establishment of a dedicated department to handle all matters related to ST certificates and ILPs.
The committee raised further concerns over non-APST women marrying tribal men and allegedly acquiring property in the state, which is later sold or transferred out, draining local wealth.
“Many properties are registered under the names of tribal spouses and later sold or exchanged. This is a loophole that needs urgent legal intervention,” Paul said.
ASBAC also urged the state government to bring in laws barring non-tribal individuals from contesting or voting in local body elections.
“We strongly believe that participation of non-APST voters in Panchayati Raj institutions and municipal bodies undermines the very purpose of tribal self-governance in Arunachal Pradesh,” Paul added.
The committee has urged immediate legislative action to address the issues and protect the socio-political and economic rights of the state’s indigenous communities.
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