31/07/2025
NHRC Takes Cognizance of Chakma Detention in Arunachal: DC Lohit Acknowledges ILP Exemption over Chakma of Arunachal Pradesh.
Tezu, Lohit District | July 31, 2025
In a significant development, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a complaint filed by the Committee for Citizenship Rights of Chakmas and Hajongs (CCRCH), regarding the illegal detention and penalization of seven Chakma farmers in Sunpura, Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh.
These seven individuals—permanent residents of the state—were detained without any FIR and fined under Section 3 of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, despite being exempt from Inner Line Permit (ILP) requirements, as confirmed by the Gauhati High Court in multiple rulings.
The complaint further alleges that a local NGO, SAYA, collaborated with Sunpura Police Station in the detention process without legal authority. No proper procedure was followed, and the Executive Magistrate’s order of prohibition and movement restriction not only violates Supreme Court and High Court judgments but also directly infringes upon the fundamental rights of the victims under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.
NHRC Acts Swiftly: Notice to DC and SP Lohit
The matter was brought before a bench of the NHRC presided over by Shri Priyank Kanoongo, Hon’ble Member, who took cognizance under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The Registry has directed that a notice be issued to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Lohit, instructing them to inquire into the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks.
"The allegations made in the complaint prima facie appear to be serious violations of the human rights of the victims," observed the NHRC bench.
DC Lohit Acknowledges Chakma ILP Exemption, Yet Defends Illegal Order
In a separate but related development, Deputy Commissioner of Lohit District issued a clarification on 2nd July 2025 in response to legal representation by Advocate Sunil Kumar Chakma. The DC officially acknowledged that ILP is not applicable to Chakmas who are permanent residents of Arunachal Pradesh—a position long argued by rights groups and legal advocates.
However, in the same letter, the DC also attempted to defend the Executive Magistrate’s 16th June order, stating it was not targeted solely at Chakmas but at “outsiders” present in reserved forest areas without documentation.
Legal observers have challenged this reasoning, stating that no separate orders were issued for outsiders and Chakma residents. Instead, seven Chakma labourers were singled out, detained, fined, and forced to return to their home settlements.
“Even if they weren’t physically externed from the state, restricting their movement within the state amounts to a violation of their fundamental rights,” said Advocate Atul Chakma, President of All Arunachal Pradesh Chakma Students’ Union (APCSU).
Pattern of Targeting & False Complaints
Activists also point to a pattern of harassment, where individuals such as Drishya Chakma and Uttam Chakma were falsely accused of being outsiders from Mizoram or Bangladesh.
In Sunpura instance, an externment order was issued to 7 Chakma under Section 3 of BEFR, again despite proof of her Arunachal domicile.
“This is an orchestrated attempt to misuse ILP provisions and forest regulations to selectively target Chakma citizens,” said a legal advisor associated with the case.
APCSU’s Stand: Quash Illegal Order, Compensate Victims
The APCSU has issued a strong statement demanding:
1. Immediate withdrawal of the 16 June 2025 order issued by the Executive Magistrate
2. Compensation for the seven Chakma labourers detained and fined illegally
3. A formal directive from the Government of Arunachal Pradesh affirming that ILP provisions do not apply to Chakma residents of the state
“This is not just a local administrative error—it is a breach of constitutional protections. Rights cannot be suspended based on ethnicity or political pressure,” said Adv. Chakma.
A Legal and Moral Test for the State
This case is emerging as a test of constitutional governance in Arunachal Pradesh, especially regarding the treatment of long-term Chakma residents who are often left in a legal grey area despite court rulings in their favor.
As the NHRC’s intervention gains momentum and pressure builds on the administration to account for its actions, the Chakma community and civil rights advocates hope that truth, law, and justice will prevail.
📍 Tezu, Arunachal Pradesh | 31 July 2025
📝 Filed by the Legal & Human Rights Desk
SP Lohit
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