The Rights and Risks Analysis Group has recently appealed to the Indian Prime Minister to step in and ensure food provision for the Chakma and Hajong communities in Arunachal Pradesh. The appeal arises amid claims that these communities have been unjustly excluded from the Covid-19 Economic Relief Package introduced by the central government in response to the ongoing pandemic.
The Relief Package and its Claimed Exclusions
The Relief Package, incorporated under the PM Gareeb Kalyan Ann Yojana, guarantees an extra five kilos of wheat or rice free of charge to each individual covered under the National Food Security Act. This is on top of the five kilograms of subsidized food grain already offered through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Each family also receives a kilogram of preferred regional pulses at no additional cost.
However, allegations have surfaced that the entitlements of the Chakmas and Hajongs under this scheme have been grossly violated. Their ration cards, an essential commodity for obtaining these benefits, were allegedly unlawfully confiscated by the state government in October 1991. Consequently, they have no other option but to purchase food supplies at standard or inflated rates, while other susceptible groups pay just ₹5 per kilogram based on the economic package.
Violation of Human Rights
These communities are now legal citizens of India, hence refusing them food aid equates to infringement of their Right to Life – a right safeguarded under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Categorizing Chakmas and Hajongs
Chakmas and Hajongs are ethnic groups originating primarily from the Chittagong Hill Tracts which lie mainly within Bangladesh’s territory. Chakmas follow the principles of Buddhism, whereas Hajongs predominantly adhere to Hinduism. Aside from Northeast India and West Bengal, these communities also reside in Bangladesh and Myanmar. They sought refuge in India, settling in Arunachal Pradesh in 1964-65 after fleeing original home territories in then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) due to various circumstances.
Reasons for Migration
The Chakmas were dispossessed of their land due to the construction of the Kaptai Dam on the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh. The Hajongs, on the other hand, faced religious persecution since they were non-Muslims and did not speak the local Bengali language.
Citizenship Issues
The Indian Supreme Court in 2015 ordered that citizenship be granted to the Chakmas and Hajongs that had migrated from Bangladesh between 1964-69. This ruling was handed down while considering a plea from the Committee for Citizenship Rights of the Chakmas.
However, the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA) does not directly benefit these communities as Arunachal Pradesh is exempted from the CAA because it operates with an inner line permit system controlling entry of outsiders. Presently, according to Section 3(1) of the Citizenship Act, Chakmas and Hajongs are recognized as citizens by birth and a portion of their population eligible to vote have been exercising this right since 2004. Nevertheless, 4,637 applications of those who survived the migration during 1964-1969 still remain pending with the Centre, with some applicants unfortunately passing away.