24/05/2026
Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Submits Memorandum Seeking APST Re-Verification and ILP Reforms
Itanagar, May 24:
The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee has submitted a detailed memorandum to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh demanding immediate reforms in the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, statewide re-verification of APST certificates, and stricter safeguards to protect indigenous tribal rights and demographic security in the state.
The memorandum, signed by Chairman Sol Dodum, General Secretary Millo Ambo, and Convener Chukhu Hormin, was addressed to several constitutional and administrative authorities including the Governor, Chief Secretary, Home Department, Indigenous Affairs Department, DGP, and all Deputy Commissioners of Arunachal Pradesh.
In the memorandum, the organization expressed serious concern over alleged illegal infiltration, forged documentation, fake lineage claims, and misuse of tribal safeguards by non-eligible individuals. The committee stated that such practices threaten reservation benefits, indigenous land protection, employment opportunities, political representation, and the demographic security of genuine tribal communities.
Demand for APST Certificate Re-Verification
The organization demanded immediate statewide re-verification of all APST certificates issued across Arunachal Pradesh through a “transparent, lawful, and robust verification process.”
The memorandum alleged growing concerns regarding:
Non-APST individuals acquiring APST certificates,
Forged documents,
Manipulated lineage claims,
Illegal acquisition of tribal benefits, and
Organized misuse of APST protections through loopholes and fraudulent systems.
The committee proposed formation of a High-Level APST Re-Verification Committee comprising representatives from recognized CBOs, legal experts, administrative officers, police department, Indigenous Affairs Department, research scholars, and district-level representatives.
It also called for the introduction of highly secured APST certificates integrated with biometric and digital verification systems.
The memorandum further demanded immediate review and reconsideration of the Arunachal Pradesh ILP Guidelines, 2026, alleging that several provisions weaken the original protective spirit of the ILP system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
According to the memorandum, the present ILP framework raises concerns regarding:
“All Arunachal Pradesh” access permits,
Broad discretionary powers,
Large-scale outsider labour entry,
Renewable long-duration work permits,
Weak district-level scrutiny, and
Expansion of outsider movement across the state.
The committee specifically sought review of multiple clauses of the ILP Rules and Regulations, 2026.
Call for Technological Monitoring and Enforcement
The organization also proposed a technologically advanced ILP monitoring system featuring:
Live QR verification,
Biometric verification,
Real-time movement tracking,
Centralized digital monitoring,
District-level monitoring systems, and
Live CCTV surveillance at integrated ILP check gates.
It further demanded establishment of district-level ground verification and monitoring committees involving district administration, police, local CBOs, Gaon Burahs, and community representatives.
Committee on Lineage and Tribal Safeguards
Another major issue raised in the memorandum concerns alleged loopholes relating to lineage claims, inheritance issues, and indirect acquisition of tribal privileges.
The organization alleged that manipulated documentation and misuse of maternal lineage systems could affect future tribal generations and indigenous protections. It therefore demanded constitution of a High-Level Expert Committee comprising constitutional experts, legal professionals, senior administrative officers, and tribal representatives to study and recommend safeguards regarding tribal identity, inheritance, land protection, and reservation policies.
The Arunachal ST Bachao Andolan Committee urged the state government to take immediate and serious action to protect constitutional safeguards, indigenous identity, tribal rights, demographic security, and customary protections of Arunachal Pradesh.
The memorandum also warned that in the absence of meaningful government response, indigenous organizations and citizens may democratically intensify public movements for protection of tribal rights and demographic security in the state.
