The Chakma Development Foundation of India has officially approached the National Human Rights Commission, seeking urgent intervention following troubling incidents that allegedly barred Chakma electors from participating in Special Intensive Revision hearings at Bordumsa in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang district.
Appeal to the Human Rights Commission
In a formal statement, the organisation revealed it has urged the commission to strictly enforce the Supreme Court’s landmark 1996 judgment in National Human Rights Commission vs State of Arunachal Pradesh, which explicitly directed the state administration to safeguard the life and personal liberty of all Chakmas living within the region.
Protests and Disruptions at Bordumsa
The latest turmoil unfolded after members of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union staged demonstrations during the revision hearings on Friday, forcing proceedings to be abruptly postponed. According to the advocacy group, the office of the Electoral Registration Officer also sustained structural damage during the unrest.
Two Days of Stalled Administrative Proceedings
The disruption was not isolated to Friday, as tensions had already derailed the schedule on Thursday. Officials were able to process only 222 out of 252 Form 6 applications, along with 150 out of 303 standard applications, before mounting chaos forced the hearings to be halted entirely on both occasions.
Founder Criticises State Failure
Reacting sharply to the breakdown of order, CDFI founder Suhas Chakma stated, "The repeat of the violence today after yesterday’s incidents exposes the absolute failure of the State of Arunachal Pradesh in all aspects."
Demanding Security and Protection of Rights
To restore public order and protect vulnerable residents, the organisation pressed for the implementation of judicial directives stating that authorities must repel any forceful eviction attempts by groups like the student union, deploying paramilitary forces if necessary with the backing of the Union of India.
Calls for Action from Central and State Bodies
The foundation has formally requested the rights panel to issue directives to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the state government, and the Election Commission of India to guarantee the fundamental right to life and personal liberty for Chakma and Hajong residents throughout the ongoing revision exercise.
