ES Reporter

NAMSAI, May 19: Member, National Commission for Minorities (NCM), Rinchen Lhamo on Thursday said that the Chakma community of Arunachal Pradesh with voting rights can avail the benefits of every Minorities schemes, be it national or state.
Speaking to reporters, Lhamo asserted thay  her effort will be to create more awareness on various schemes under Minority Affairs so that the people can avail the benefits. She also plans to visit other parts of the state where there are minority settlements.
She informed that during her visit to various villages of minority community basically of Chakma community, she  interacted with the villagers about schemes of the government. 
While responding to the query on why she is visiting only Chakma villages whose citizenship status is still in the court, NCM Member informed that  she will soon visit other parts of the state  so that every issue pertaining to minority groups can be practically examined.
“I receive many letters from various communities and to ensure that their grievances are true, we are visiting the places. Likewise, we are also planning to visit and redress the issues pertaining to other minority groups in days to come in phase wise manner,” she said.
The NCM also assures that every problem related to the minority group will be voiced at district, state and national level for their greater benefit. However, it can’t be assured that every problem will be solved at a go, she added.
“As we are aware that the Chakmas, who are Buddhist, are still fighting for citizenship. The case is still in the court, therefore there is not much discussion on it. But, I being from the same religion can appeal to the district administration to fulfill their basic needs,” she said, adding that the grievances of the community will be placed before the state government so that it is being addressed.
She said that one should not differentiate any group or individual based on religion, caste or region. Everyone is a human being first and it’s our moral duty to help people from every community.
Lhamo is on a week-long official tour to the state specially in Eastern Arunachal and to Chakma Settlement villages of Changlang and Namsai District. She will also have a meeting with the Chief Secretary to discuss various issues of minority communities.
Later she will also have a courtesy meeting with the Governor and Chief Minister of the state on Sunday next. 

AAPSU terms visit "selective and divisive in nature"

ITANAGAR: The All Arunachal Pradesh students'union (AAPSU) has taken strong exception to the selective visit of Rinchen Lhamo, Member of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) to Chakma-Hajong inhabited areas only and termed it as divisive in nature.
The AAPSU said that her (Lhamo) advocacy for refugees to get rights at par with Indian citizens is uncalled for and unwarranted undermining the prestigious organization she represents. A member of her stature shouldering a constitutional office should first of all be well versed with the laws operating in the state that protects and safeguards the indigenous rights and the age old protest movements addressed at various levels and platforms, the Union said.
"The union and indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh always welcome and look upon central leaders or commission members but not at the cost of our dignity and pride. Any attempt that is done to please certain groups tagging in the minority card with a religious interest as seen in her (Lhamo) speech undermining the many struggles the people of the state have carried out against their permanent presence will not be tolerated," AAPSU general secretary (caretaker) Tobom Dai said in a statement.
Madam Richen Lhamo should know that Arunachal Pradesh is a 100% tribal state and her maiden visit should have been inclusive catering to the hope & aspirations of all sections rather than segregating it for certain groups and religious followers, Dai added.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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