ACS calls on Arunachal CM to terminate ST certificates of Tibetans

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, Sep 1: Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) has demanded the cancellation of all the Schedule Tribes (ST) certificates granted to Tibetan refugees in the state.

ACS has claimed that many Tibetans refugees settled in Arunachal Pradesh have obtained ST certificates and demanded the state government to cancel all those certificates, reports The Arunachal Times, Aug 31.

In a missive addressed to the Chief Minister, ACS further claimed that Tibetan nationals came on the pretext of doing business and settled permanently in different parts of the state.

“It is difficult to identify these refugees because of their religious and ethnic similarities with the local Monpas, Membas or Sherdukpens,” the ACS said, and urged the CM to look into the matter seriously, the report added.

“The Government of Arunachal Pradesh should immediately constitute an Expert Committee to study and find out the whole gamut of Tibetan refugee issue.” ACS demanded in its missive.

A total of 7,681 Tibetan refugees live across Arunachal Pradesh in various Tibetan settlements such as Choepheling in Miao, Dhargyeling in Tezu, Tenzingang, Tuting and Bomdila, according to data procured from CTA’s Department of Home website.