Chakma and Hajong Tribals in Arunachal Pradesh

Context

The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Arunachal Pradesh has brought the Chakma–Hajong electoral rights issue into focus after disruptions and objections during SIR hearings in Bordumsa, Changlang district, in September 2026.

Chakmas and Hajongs: Origin and Settlement

1. Chakmas are predominantly Buddhists, while Hajongs are predominantly Hindus. They were displaced from the Chittagong Hill Tracts of then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) during the 1960s, mainly due to the Kaptai Dam on the Karnaphuli River and communal pressures.
2. The Government of India rehabilitated them in the then North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), mainly in Changlang, Lohit and Papum Pare districts of present-day Arunachal Pradesh. Some were also settled in Assam and Tripura.

Citizenship Issue

1. The central issue is that rehabilitation did not automatically confer Indian citizenship on all Chakmas and Hajongs; eligible persons must acquire citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
2. In 2015, the Supreme Court directed the Centre and Arunachal Pradesh Government to finalise the citizenship claims of eligible Chakmas and Hajongs and protect them from discrimination.
3. However, the judgment did not grant automatic citizenship to every member of these communities.

Why is the Issue Important for SIR?

1. Citizenship is essential for voter registration. During SIR, the Election Commission of India (ECI) verifies whether individuals meet the legal requirements to remain on the electoral roll.
2. However, SIR is an electoral-roll exercise, not a process for granting citizenship. Citizenship claims are governed separately under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
3. Therefore, the Chakma–Hajong issue involves two distinct questions: whether a person is an Indian citizen and, if so, whether they are eligible to be registered as a voter.

CAA 2019

1. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 provides a faster citizenship route for eligible Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered India by 31 December 2014.
2. However, the CAA does not apply to areas covered by the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime. Since Arunachal Pradesh is an ILP State, the Act does not apply there.
3. Therefore, CAA 2019 cannot be used to resolve the citizenship claims of Chakmas and Hajongs in Arunachal Pradesh

Key Challenges

1. Citizenship: Pending citizenship claims create uncertainty over the legal status and rights of sections of the communities.
2. Electoral Disputes: SIR has raised concerns over voter-list inclusion, documentation and verification.
3. Indigenous Concerns: Local communities fear demographic changes and reduced political influence.
4. Land Rights: Disputes persist over land ownership, settlement and permanent resident status.

Way Forward

1. Resolve Citizenship: Process eligible citizenship claims through a transparent and time-bound legal procedure.
2. Ensure Due Process: Give affected persons adequate notice and an opportunity to present documents and objections during SIR.
3. Maintain Legal Clarity: Keep citizenship determination separate from electoral-roll verification.
4. Balance Interests: Protect indigenous rights while ensuring that eligible residents are not discriminated against.
5. Improve Coordination: Strengthen cooperation among the ECI, Centre and Arunachal Pradesh Government to resolve the issue.

FAQs

Q1. Who are the Chakmas and Hajongs?
Ans. Chakmas are predominantly Buddhists, while Hajongs are predominantly Hindus. They were displaced from the Chittagong Hill Tracts during the 1960s and many were rehabilitated in Arunachal Pradesh.

Q2. Did the Supreme Court automatically grant them citizenship in 2015?
Ans. No. The Supreme Court directed the authorities to finalise citizenship rights of eligible persons according to the applicable legal process.

Q3. Why is the issue relevant to SIR?
Ans. Only Indian citizens who satisfy the legal requirements can be registered as electors. Therefore, unresolved citizenship claims can affect electoral-roll inclusion.

Q4. What is NEFA?
Ans. North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) was the former administrative designation for the territory that later became Arunachal Pradesh.

Q5. What is the Inner Line Permit (ILP)?

Ans. The ILP is a special permit required by Indian citizens from outside certain protected states to enter or stay there. It aims to protect indigenous communities, land rights and local culture.