The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee (ASTBAC) has welcomed the formation of a high-power committee for statewide re-verification of Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) certificates. The committee has called for a transparent, fair, and impartial verification process. ASTBAC general secretary Milo Ambo stated that the objective of the exercise is not to target any individual or community but to establish facts and prevent the future misuse of APST certificates.
The committee has already held its first meeting to discuss the verification process and has begun collecting public suggestions on how the exercise should be carried out. A general survey has been launched, and district-level consultations will begin soon. The entire verification process should be conducted strictly in accordance with the law and without any discrimination.
No one is above the law, and every APST certificate holder must undergo the same verification process under the same legal standards. The ASTBAC is not making allegations against any specific individual but is instead assisting in fact-finding and cooperating with the high-power committee to ensure that the verification exercise is completed in a transparent and credible manner. The committee has pointed out that numerous public representations regarding alleged irregularities in APST certificates have been submitted to the government over the past several years.
It has urged the government to examine those representations seriously, instead of allowing them to remain pending. Seeking greater transparency, the committee has appealed to the chief minister to ensure that the verification process inspires public confidence and remains free from any misuse of power. The committee has also requested that officials facing serious allegations related to APST certificates should voluntarily step aside until the verification process is completed to avoid any perception of influence or conflict of interest.
The ASTBAC believes that the Inner Line Permit (ILP) remains one of the most important legal mechanisms for regulating the entry of outsiders into Arunachal Pradesh. The committee is not seeking to liberalise or weaken the ILP system but is instead advocating its stricter implementation and stronger enforcement. The committee has called for improved monitoring of ILP holders, timely renewal mechanisms, and stricter action against violations.
The issue concerns the entire state and is not directed against any particular tribe or community. The APST re-verification should be conducted uniformly across Arunachal, maintaining that ‘no one is above the Constitution, and no one is above the law.’ ASTBAC spokesperson Tana Tamar Tara has elaborated the role of the ILP system in regulating the entry of non-locals into Arunachal. The committee has never opposed the granting of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status or Permanent Resident Certificates (PRCs) to any particular community.
The committee’s objective has always been to present the factual situation before the government and seek a lawful solution. The demand raised by certain non-ST residents has been for legal documentation that would allow them to continue residing in the state and access basic services if ST status or PRCs are not granted. Tara has appealed to the public not to be misled by misinformation or selective interpretations of the committee’s stand.
The issue is a matter of statewide concern and should be understood in its proper context, rather than through rumours or isolated statements. Every non-APST person entering Arunachal must possess a valid ILP. The government should strengthen the ILP system through stricter monitoring, timely renewal mechanisms, and digital tracking.
Permit holders should receive reminders before their ILPs expire, and appropriate action should be taken against those who overstay without renewing their permits. ASTBAC chairman Sol Dodum has clarified that the committee is not opposed to the presence of non-tribal residents or visitors in Arunachal but stressed that everyone entering the state must comply with the legal provisions governing entry and residence. Although substantial funds have been spent over the years to strengthen the ILP system, shortcomings remain in its implementation.
The government should make the system more effective through proper monitoring, timely renewal of permits, and strict action against violations. Effective monitoring of entry points is essential for maintaining accurate records of people entering the state. Strengthening the ILP mechanism would help regulate migration and improve the enforcement of existing laws.
The committee has appealed to the media and the public to understand the issue in its proper context and avoid creating unnecessary confusion. Political leaders should not politicise the matter, and political interests should not take precedence over finding a long-term solution. The objective of the ongoing exercise is to undertake a comprehensive fact-finding process by examining historical records, official documents, and other relevant evidence before arriving at any conclusion.
Only a thorough and evidence-based verification process would help address the issue in a fair and lasting manner. The ASTBAC remains committed to working within the framework of the Constitution and existing laws. The verification exercise would ultimately lead to a transparent, lawful, and practical solution that safeguards the interests of Arunachal while ensuring justice for all stakeholders.
