Row over Chakma-Hajong: Union Minister Rijiju says his comments were twisted, misinterpreted; attempt to tarnish Assam CM’s image

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has cleared the air over his purported remark that the Chakma-Hajongs of Arunachal will be relocated to Assam.

The remark had drawn sharp reactions from Assam with even Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma clarifying that the Centre has not discussed anything over the relocation of Chakma-Hajong refugees.

Rijiju said that his statement was twisted and misinterpreted allegedly with an aim to tarnish the image of Assam Chief Minister and NEDA convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Rijiju alleged that his remark has been fabricated to create confusion at a time when Lok Sabha polls are underway.

Kiren Rijiju said, “Whatever I have heard, unscrupulous elements in Assam have spread factually incorrect news. Someone is spreading news in Assam in an attempt to malign the image of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.”

“In Arunachal, I was questioned about the Chakma-Hajong issue, then I had said that the Chakma Hajongs were brought as refugees by the Congress in 1964. Till 1970, Chakma Hajongs were given shelter (by the Congress). After that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was passed. Since Arunachal Pradesh is a 100% tribal state, the Chakma Hajongs are not entitled for citizenship as per Act of the Parliament.

Following this I spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah that the government would request the Chakma Hajongs for rehabilitating them in a different location, I took that step. Then I had requested Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to help us on the relocation issue. Himanta Biswa Sarma is not only the CM of Assam but he is also the convenor of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and he is one of the senior Chief Ministers of the Northeast. He was only requested to help. Seeking as an option, we had appealed (Centre) to relocate and settle the Chakma Hajongs in different parts of India in different states.

But I never said that Chakma Hajongs should be relocated and settled in Assam where Himanta Biswa Sarma is the Chief Minister. I had appealed (Centre) that it will be good if options are explored to relocate the Chakmas in other states. Because if the Chakma Hajongs happen to stay in Arunachal forever, then conflicts will certainly be there. Because as per the Act they will not get citizenship in Arunachal Pradesh, they are only staying as temporary residents.”

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also stated that people are being misled over the issue and pointed his fingers at the Congress.

He said, “I feel that wrong news is being spread deliberately. Whoever is behind this should not do it. I will tell the Congress that by doing so they cannot get votes. Because seeking votes from people by telling them misleading and wrong facts is not a good thing to do. Himanta Biswa Sarma is not only the CM of Assam, but he is also a senior leader of Northeast, who is a performing CM. Only for tarnishing his image such things (spreading false news) must not be done.”

“The intention of my statement is very clear, I said that I have appealed Assam CM. Union HM Amit Shah has also conveyed to the Chakma Hajong delegation, I also told them that look for alternative places in our country, we will also help you, but ultimately you (to Chakma Hajongs) have to move out from Arunachal, because they can only stay as temporary residents. There is a rule, I am not saying this as Kiren Rijiju. It is mentioned in CAA that they will not get citizenship in Arunachal. That is a fact and must be accepted,” Rijiju further said.

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